Almanac people

Al Flanigan

Alfred Flanigan’s coaching career began in 1977 as head coach at Dunbar Junior High School, where he won 11 championships in 11 years. In the 1988-89 school year, Flanigan joined Coach Charles Ripley's staff as assistant coach at Parkview Arts/Sciences Magnet High School. He helped guide the Patriots to a 205-24 record, five conference championships, four state final appearances and three state championships ('92, '93, and '95). Each of these state championship seasons were extra special for Flanigan, as he shared them with his sons, Wes and Jason. Wes would go on to earn Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year in 1993 and sign with Auburn University. Jason was a two-time All-State selection and signed with Ole Miss. In 1996, Flanigan became the Patriots' Head Coach, remaining in that position until his retirement in June 2019. During his tenure, the Patriots had a 545-147 record, won 12 conference championships and made 11 state championship appearances, winning seven of them ('98, '02, '06 '11, '12, '16, '18). Flanigan's final state championship season was shared with his grandson Allen who, like his father Wes, went on to sign with Auburn University. Flanigan passed away on December 21st, 2025 in Little Rock, AR.