by Malcolm Butler
After spending the past three seasons at Cedar Creek School in Ruston, Lance Waldron has been hired as the new boys basketball coach at D’Arbonne Woods Charter School.
D’Arbonne Woods Charter School Executive Director Doug Postel told the Lincoln Parish Journal Monday that the school has hired both Waldron and his wife, Beth.
“Lance, along with Beth because I consider them to be a team, have a history of excellence in everything that they do,” said Postel. “When we had an opportunity to bring them on board, we jumped on it. They have experience with turning programs around and making championship run.
“We have had a lot of success in recent years in getting our programs headed in the right direction, and it’s time that basketball joined the ranks of softball and powerlifting and some of our other programs at D’Arbonne Woods that are starting to see some success.”
Waldron will replace Dane Reeves.
“My wife, Beth, previously worked at DWCS, and our boys attended school there for most of their childhood, so we already have strong relationships with many of the families,” said Lance Waldron. “D’Arbonne Woods is a great school, and we’re looking forward to building something special with the basketball program. We were very impressed with Doug Postel’s long-term vision for the school, and we’re excited to be part of what’s ahead. We can’t wait to get started.”
Waldron was hired by Cedar Creek in the summer of 2022. During his three years guiding the Cougars, Creek amassed a mark of 40-38, including a run to the Select School Division IV quarterfinals this season before falling to eventual state champion Hamilton Christian. It was the program’s first quarterfinal appearance in 37 years.
“Leaving Cedar Creek is bittersweet for our family,” said Lance Waldron. “It has been a huge part of our lives for the past three years, and with our oldest son graduating this year, it will always hold a special place in our hearts. I’m very thankful for the opportunity Cedar Creek gave me when I decided to return to coaching after being away from it for seven years.
“We made history with the program in just three years, and I’m especially grateful for the players. They are phenomenal kids who bought in early and played with grit and determination every game. While we’re grateful for our time at Cedar Creek, we are extremely excited about this next chapter at D’Arbonne Woods. Being closer to home is going to be a huge blessing.”
Prior to his time at Cedar Creek, Waldron recorded a mark of 246-87 during his nine years at Simsboro (2006-2015), leading the program to six district titles, three appearances in the Top 28 and two state championship game appearances (2012, 2013).
He left the high school coaching ranks following the 2014-15 season in order to join the corporate world before returning to the court for the 2022-23 season.
