A Fresh Coaching Direction
Eau Claire High School announced this week that Harry Curnell will take over as its new football coach, succeeding Demarcus Simons, who departed to lead Richland Northeast High School.
Curnell arrives after a stint as an assistant coach at Lower Richland High School, where he served as defensive coordinator during the 2025 season. His coaching journey also includes periods at AC Flora and Keenan high schools, giving him a deep familiarity with the local talent pool.
The Shamrocks enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, capturing five victories — their most since 1992 — and securing a first‑round playoff berth. That momentum helped the school decide to move down from Class 2A to Class A for the upcoming season, placing them in Region 2‑A.
Curnell’s hiring is part of a larger wave of head‑coach changes across the region, with seven new head‑coach positions slated for the 2026 season. The move signals a strategic shift for Eau Claire as it seeks to blend fresh leadership with the community’s growing interest in football.
School officials expressed confidence that Curnell’s defensive expertise and regional connections will help sustain the program’s upward trajectory. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining the school’s tradition while adapting to the new competitive landscape.