Translating Playing Days Into Coaching Expertise

Hulse Enjoys Coaching At Lincoln

Spencer Hulse
Spencer Hulse

CAVE SPRINGS -- Seems like yesterday, Spencer Hulse was competing as a student/athlete.

The 2011 Lincoln graduate, who is now in his second year of coaching at Lincoln High School, admits the transition feels strange at times because he's not that far removed from his playing days when he tried to lead by example, by saying and doing the right things. On the other hand, converting from a student/athlete to a coach feels natural.

"I feel like I'm in a good place maturity-wise," Hulse said, speaking during a golf meet at The Creeks course in Cave Springs Sept. 6.

He credits his parents, Rob and Rhonda Hulse, of Lincoln, with shaping him into a person, who was always taught to be respectful of others.

"My parents were so instrumental and are still so instrumental in how I am," Hulse said. "I try to treat people the way I want to be treated. They taught me to act the right way and to represent my family as best I can."

Hulse's grandparents: Doug and Joyce Hulse and Gerald and Eleanor Neal, all reside in Lincoln. The family dynamic is about to change with the engagement of older sister, Kristen Hulse, set to wed Kevin Elliot, who hails from Russellville, in a month. Spencer and younger brother Payton, 20, have both been invited to participate in the ceremony as groomsmen and Hulse is grateful to be a part of his sister's big day.

"The next few years will be different, but that's just the way of life," Hulse said.

Lincoln was still a 3A school when Hulse attended, but has since moved up to 4A beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. Hulse said the competition level is definitely higher with the Wolf golfers seeing Prairie Grove, Pea Ridge and Shiloh Christian week in and week out.

"The competition is a challenge, but they're up for it," Hulse said. "They enjoy it, they're competitive and it makes for a fun atmosphere."

Hulse graduated from the University of Central Arkansas at Conway in the spring of 2015 with a degree in secondary education in mathematics. He picked up experience working as a baseball umpire in college and has seen first-hand the intensity some parents express during competition.

"If you're good, you catch less flack," Hulse said. "But no matter what you do, you're going to catch some flack."

Hulse teaches various math courses, ranging from Algebra II, Bridge to Algebra II and AP Calculus to grades 9 through 12. He didn't know he would land a job in his hometown, yet is thankful to be teaching and coaching at Lincoln.

"I wasn't really expecting it to work out this way coming out of college, but it's been fun, I enjoy it," Hulse said, admitting that working in one's hometown has a certain flair.

"It's the ultimate privilege," Hulse said. "I treat it that way in everything I do. You care about it a little bit more when it's your hometown."

Hulse, who is also an assistant boys basketball coach, considers coaching with Lincoln athletic director Deon Birkes and other home-grown coaches as a pleasure and an honor.

"Coach Birkes, he's a Lincoln guy and a few others, it's a special group," Hulse said. "Our high school's new. It's our fourth year in the building. The gym is nice. It's definitely a multi-purpose facility. You can hold graduation in there."

During basketball season he is constantly watching game film and studying opponents. He admits that took a lot out of him during his first season.

"I never realized what all coaches do," Hulse said, yet, he wouldn't have things any other way, adding, "I love it. I love what I do."

As for the golf team, Hulse is working to expand the program by getting girls to come out. He notes a lot of girls come out for golf in some programs.

"We haven't had a girl come out since 2013," Hulse said. "I'm just hoping to get a few to come out and hopefully build a tradition. Hopefully we'll get big numbers."

Hulse is pleased with the boys he has on the green this season.

"I'm really happy with how our kids have done this year," Hulse said. "They are leaps and bounds better than they were last year."

Sports on 09/14/2016