By Andy Klotz—
MUNCIE, Ind. – Kyle Padgett has been named Muncie Central High School’s new varsity football coach. The Cloverdale native joins the Bearcats after six seasons as head coach at Centerville High where he went 37-24 and led the Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season last year.
Padgett replaces Darrick Lee and will try to turn around a Bearcats program that has struggled in recent years, including last season’s 1-9 mark.
“I am not going to stand here and guarantee championships,” Padgett said. “What I can guarantee is that we will play fast, up-tempo and disciplined football that concentrates on blocking, tackling and pursuit whistle to whistle.”
Central’s last winning season came in 2016 when the Bearcats finished 7-4, but Padgett may be the person to get the ‘Cats back on track. Not only has he lead a consistently successful program at Centerville, but he spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at Scecina Memorial High in Indianapolis, his alma mater. The Crusaders won four IHSAA sectional championships, two regional championship and two semi-state championships during his time there.
“Kyle stands out not only as an outstanding football coach, but he will also contribute positively to the overall culture at Muncie Central as a teacher and champion for students,” Central Athletic Director Jeff Holloway said.
Padgett has coached five North/South All Stars and two conference Players of the Year. He was named the Area Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2021.
“This will be about much more than football,” Padgett said. “This is going to be about creating a culture of accountability, discipline, integrity and trust. Not only for our football team, but for our entire school and community.”
He will teach Physical Education at Central. He is married to Sam and together they have three children.
About Muncie Community Schools
Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society. Find out more about MCS or Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski at muncieschools.org.
