Pirates name new football coach

Braden River High School named Curt Bradley as its new football coach; Pirates athletic director Bob Bowling announced this afternoon.

The 26-year-old Bradley replaces former coach Don Purvis, who stepped down last month.

“He’s a very intelligent young man,” Bowling said. “He obviously was a good athlete, and he brings a lot to the table. He’s extremely organized and very disciplined. That’s what sold us on him. He’s very disciplined and hardworking.”

A native of Missouri, Bradley played wide receiver for Northern Iowa University where he played on two conference championship teams and a national runner-up team. Bradley was named the Peacock’s captain in 2006 and was an honorable mention All-Gateway Conference and Academic team selection for two years.

The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Bradley in the 33rd round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft and went on to play some Minor League baseball with them.

Bradley volunteered one year at Rockbridge Senior High School in Colombia, Mo. Before going on to serve as the linebacker coach at Syracuse University.

In July 2010, Bradley was named the defensive coordinator at Leesburg High School. Bradley will assume his new position following spring practice.