GENTRY, AR —Bobby Watson has been hired as the new head coach for girls wrestling and assistant coach for boys wrestling, marking an exciting new chapter for the school’s rapidly growing wrestling program.
Coach Watson, a proud Marine veteran and experienced educator, brings eight years of teaching and coaching experience to the role. Known for his high energy and booming voice that echoes throughout Pioneer Country, Coach Watson is passionate about developing student-athletes both on and off the mat. In addition to his new responsibilities in wrestling, he also serves on the GHS football coaching staff.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Watson to the wrestling program,” said Athletic Director Brent Hester. “His leadership, experience, and passion for mentoring young athletes will be instrumental in continuing the momentum Gentry has built.”
Coach Watson joins Coach Sal Castro, who has served as the head coach of both the boys and girls wrestling teams since 2023 and will remain as the head boys coach and assistant girls’ coach. Originally from Fresno, Calif., Coach Castro wrestled both Folkstyle and Freestyle before serving 20 years in the U.S. Army. After retiring in 2021, he earned a bachelor’s degree in K-12 Physical Education and took over a wrestling program at Gentry that had just two athletes.
In just two years, Coach Castro has transformed the team, growing it to 20 athletes and leading them to major competitive success. Highlights include four wrestlers placing in the top four at the 4A-North Regional Tournament and qualifying for the Arkansas State Championships last year, where standout Aidan Eller earned a third-place finish.
With the addition of Coach Watson, the GHS Wrestling program is poised for even greater growth and achievement, Hester said, restoring the program to its prestigious reign more than a decade ago when the Pioneers won the 5A-1A state wrestling championship. The school board’s decision to expand the coaching staff reflects a strong commitment to providing opportunities and top-tier training for both boys and girls in the sport.
About Gentry High School Wrestling:
Gentry High School's wrestling program has experienced tremendous growth and success under the leadership of Coach Castro. With the addition of a dedicated girls' coach in Coach Watson, the program continues its upward trajectory—fostering a competitive, inclusive, and values-driven athletic environment for all student-athletes. The program won the 5A-1A Arkansas state wrestling championship in the 2009-2010 school year.