Houston Pruitt stands triumphantly under Friday night lights, reflecting on the fact that he just helped lead his team to the state championship. Four years later, Pruitt is back at Har-Ber as a volunteer assistant coach with the school’s record for career tackles, an all-state defensive back title, Northwest Arkansas Sophomore of the Year, an all-conference performer title, and a recruitment by the University of Arkansas all under his belt. Pruitt was a star athlete in both football and baseball at the high school level from 2007 to 2010.

“My experience at Har-Ber was very special,” said Pruitt. “I was fortunate enough to be a part of some great teams and I made memories and friendships I’ll have for a lifetime.”

After graduating, Pruitt was offered many scholarships from various schools in the United States, but he was dead set on being a Razorback. Pruitt signed with the University of Arkansas in 2011 and worked with the scout team there. However, due to a shoulder injury, he was unable to continue playing football regularly.

“College is a blast, but any sport is a full time job at the collegiate level, so it was eye-opening as well,” said Pruitt.

He is now working to earn a degree in education and coaching, and from what people that have worked with him are saying, the future looks bright.

“I think he’d be really good at coaching at both high school and college level,” said head football coach Chris Wood. Wood worked with Pruitt closely during his high school career, and is very excited that Pruitt is back as an assistant coach.

Pruitt will most likely stay at Har-Ber assistant coaching until he finishes his degree and finds an actual paying position for coaching.

“If there was a coaching job here, I’d hire him in a heartbeat,” said Wood. “He laid the foundation for Har-Ber high school football.”

Pruitt’s legacy was a great one. He still remains the all-time tackle leader of the school when he played safety for the Wildcats from 2007 to 2010. He helped the team get to all-state and all-conference in 2009 and 2010, and was also part of what was named the 2010 all-tournament team.

“He was one of the best guys to ever play for Har-Ber,” said Wood.

Now as an assistant coach, Pruitt works mainly with the safeties, the position that he had so much success in for so many years.

“He’s got high energy and a fiery personality. The guys love and respect him,” said Wood. Coach Wood also mentioned that all of the other coaches on staff enjoy having him around as well. “It’s a blessing to have him back.”