Eckert will begin his sixth season at Kilgore College as head coach. Eckert was the offensive coordinator for the Rangers from 2001-2004, before accepting a head coaching job with Garden City where his teams compiled a 13-8 record and appeared in the 2005 Dixie Rotary Bowl in St. George, Utah. As Kilgore’s offensive coordinator, Eckert was a part of Kilgore’s 2001 and 2004 SWJCFC’s championship teams. Thus far, he has complied a record at KC of 18-11, with one bowl appearance. He is married to wife, Amanda, and they have one daughter, Abby.
Gooden, a native of Hempstead, begins his sixth season as a coach at KC. Prior to KC, he spent three seasons at N.E. State University in Tahlequah, Okla., as defensive line coach. In 2005, he graduated from NSU and became a grad. assistant defensive line coach. In 2006, Gooden took over the defensive line. He began his playing career at KC in 2000 and earned all-conference in 2000-01. He was also a part of the undefeated 2001 Ranger team.
Nick Dobler - Co-Defensive Coordinator/ Defensive Backs
Dobler is in his 2nd season at Kilgore College. He started his career at Independence Community College in Kansas and earned his Associate’s Degree. He then transferred to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla., and finished his collegiate career. His senior year, they won the Lone Star North Championship. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Performance.
Adam Conway is entering his first season at Kilgore College. Prior to joining the KC staff, Conway spent the past two seasons at Geneva College, Pa., as a wide receiver and tight end coach. Conway was a standout wide receiver for Coach Eckert at Garden City Community College, Kan., earning All-Conference and Academic All-American honors in 2006. After transferring to the University of Nebraska in 2007, Conway’s playing career was cut short after several knee injuries. Conway earned his bachelor’s degree in Education and Human Science from the University of Nebraska in 2010 and his master’s degree in Higher Education from Geneva College in 2012. Adam and his wife Rachel reside in Kilgore.
John Martin begins his first season at KC as the defensive assistant. Martin played football for two seasons at Henderson State in 2007 and 2010. In 2010, Henderson State were conference champions. He also played for Coach Eckert at KC in 2008 while working on a degree in kineseology. Martin resides in Kilgore.
Gary Wade - Special Teams
Wade is entering his fifth year as a Ranger assistant coach this year. He also serves as coach of the special teams. With Wade's lifelong love and knowledge of football, he will serve as a recruiter and assistant coach for the Rangers. Wade is an owner of the famous Boomtown BBQ located on Hwy. 259 in Kilgore, an internationally known barbecue joint.
