Family ties are strong for new football coach and his family

Jan. 17, 2007

Sitting in the front row of her husband's press conference Wednesday in Presbyterian College's Edmunds Hall, Paulette Bentley couldn't help but notice the click and whir of cameras, the glare of lights, and the intense press of attention bearing down on the father of their five children.

Even afterwards, as reporters and cameramen surrounded new head football coach Bobby Bentley and Blue Hose supporters gathered around her in welcome, it was evident the Bentleys are now playing in a new arena - literally and figuratively.

"A lot has been going on the last several days," Paulette Bentley said. "Once Bobby decided to take the job (at PC), he's had a lot to do - telling his players at Byrnes (High School), talking to his coaching staff, and meeting with the team at PC."

In the days and months to come, the couple and their children - Chas, Shuler, Jake, and three-year-old twins Brooks and Emily - will have plenty of time to reflect on these momentous days and the decisions that have made them possible. For now, the Bentleys are riding an exciting and challenging tide of new surroundings, new faces, and new expectations.

As one might guess, a mother turns her attention to the effect the decision has on her young ones - a group that has, she said, always been fully supportive of their dad's role as a coach and educator.

"This decision has been hard for them," Paulette said. "We've always encouraged them to be (Byrnes) Rebels and they're kind of sad about leaving. But they are kids and I'm sure they'll adjust and we'll all be fine. In fact, the other day, our youngest son was outside throwing a football and he said, 'Go Blue Hose!' I think that's a good sign."

In this case, the mother also is a wife and, in the end - as Bentley weighed his options and considered the pros and cons of leaving one alma mater for another - the decision came down to a fateful piece of good advice from his bride.

"As Bobby said, he's always wanted to be a coach," Paulette said. "He's already coached at his high school and now he has the opportunity to coach at his college. I just told him to follow his dream."

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