Cordell Public Schools is thrilled to announce Bruce Munden’s arrival as the new head football coach. He will be accompanied by his wife, Shelby Munden, who will serve as the assistant softball coach. The Mundens bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their roles, enhancing the school’s athletics program with their diverse coaching talents. Their arrival marks a significant addition to the district’s athletics department, promising fresh energy and expertise for the upcoming seasons.
With a robust coaching background spanning 14 years, Bruce is a seasoned professional. His vast experience and proven track record of success make him a valuable addition to the Cordell Blue Devils football team.
“I’ve been coaching football for 14 years; this will be my 11th year as a head coach. I’ve coached at a lot of small schools, and I’ve worn many hats. My motto is “Win the day”. If we are better at the end of the day than we were yesterday, then we’re moving in the right direction. We talk about it, and that’s how we break everything out at the end of workouts. Win the day. That’s what we are pushing this year: to change the culture. We are in a situation here where we have not won a game since week three three years ago. We have to get over the hump and learn how to win again. We learn how to win in small spurts. We win today, win tomorrow, get better, and eventually, that will pay off. We celebrate all the small victories,” said Bruce.
His leadership is anticipated to inspire the team to new heights and instill a culture of discipline and excellence both on and off the field.
“The players that I’ve seen are committed to being better. The amount of work we’ve put in this year is some of the best work we’ve done in the summer on any program I’ve taken over. It’s seeing the growth and maturity of these kids daily. It’s changing because the expectations are changing. Where we were at the start of the summer and where we are now, it’s night and day. I want these kids to be recognized for what they’re doing. Regardless of anything, an athlete, regardless of sport, puts in more hours than a lot of people work because they go to school all day, practice, and play games. Our goal as coaches is to put these kids in a situation where they can be successful later on in life. You will gain more kids, proving that you will do anything for them than you will ever lose because of the expectations,” said Bruce.
Shelby joins Cordell Public Schools with a commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a winning mentality within the softball program. Her dedication and strategic approach will complement the existing coaching staff, providing invaluable support and mentorship to the team.
“I’ve been involved with softball in every aspect of it. Our two older daughters had played ever since they could play. [My husband] coached high school softball, so I’ve always been out there; I’ve always been in the thick of it. I played in middle and high school and on a traveling rec team,” said Shelby.
In addition to their roles in football and softball, Bruce and Shelby will also contribute to other sports programs at Cordell Public Schools. Bruce will take on the coaching responsibilities for boys’ track, bringing his knowledge of athletics and training methods to further enrich the school’s sports programs.
“Expectations are the same, but the drive is a little different. Track is individual for the most part, with the exception of the relays. You compete with yourself daily in track. You’re trying to get .1 seconds faster than you were the day before,” said Bruce.
Shelby will be the assistant soccer coach, extending her coaching prowess to a new student-athlete group. She is excited to take on the role of assistant coach in the Cordell soccer program. Her dedication to improving teamwork, skill development, and sportsmanship aligns perfectly with the soccer team’s goals.
“Soccer was more my sport. I’ve reffed it, coached it, played it. I’ve played since I could walk. I was very surprised when we did our walk-through, and they mentioned soccer. I met [Coach Taylor] a few weeks ago and am excited. I’m excited about softball this fall because many of them overlap with soccer, too, so I’ll get to be with these girls all year. I like the relationship you get to build with the kids. For me, my coaches made a world of difference in my life,” said Shelby.
Both Bruce and Shelby share a strong commitment to student-athlete development. Their desire to make a positive impact within the Cordell community is evident in their appointments, which signify Cordell Public Schools’ ongoing dedication to providing exceptional opportunities for athletic achievement and personal growth.
Furthermore, Shelby will be teaching 7th-grade science and providing English remediation, aiming to inspire students and foster their academic growth. Bruce, being a certified math teacher, brings a strategic approach and a drive for mentoring student-athletes.
“I’m excited to be the fun science class! I’m excited about the experiments, and we will get messy. The experiences we build are what [the kids] will remember,” said Shelby Beyond their coaching roles, Bruce and Shelby are devoted parents to four children, emphasizing the importance of family values and balancing their professional and personal lives. They prioritize spending quality time together as a family.
Please join us in welcoming Bruce and Shelby Munden to Cordell Public Schools as they embark on this exciting journey with the Blue Devils and the entire school community. Their enthusiasm and dedication are palpable, and we are thrilled to have them on board.