Jackson Bickel has ended his tenure as the head coach of Artesia High School's baseball team, closing a two‑year chapter that produced a 47‑15 record and culminated in a 4A State Championship in 2025.
The Bulldogs finished the 2025 season with a 6‑3 victory over Bloomfield, securing the program's seventh state title and its first since 2000. The win cemented Bickel's reputation as a transformative figure in the school's baseball history.
Reflecting on the 2026 campaign, Bickel expressed regret over an 11‑6 loss to Goddard in the championship game, yet he emphasized that the 2025 triumph remains a lasting achievement. He highlighted the unique qualities of the players he coached over the past two years and credited the assistant coaches for the program's success.
A New Head Coach Takes Over
Gentry Doolittle has been hired as the new head coach, succeeding Bickel after serving two years as an assistant. Bickel voiced confidence in Doolittle's abilities and spoke of a promising future, noting that the incoming players are both talented and hardworking.
In his new role as assistant principal, Bickel praised the dedication of his former staff and the student‑athletes, describing them as a strong and committed group. He expressed optimism that the program will continue to build on the foundation he helped establish.