Kyle Farmer wasn’t looking for a job but when the Bryan County High School baseball coaching position came open, he found it too good to turn down.

Farmer, an assistant coach at Benedictine Military School the last 12 years, has been hired to replace Justin Covington who resigned after five seasons for family reasons. Covington will remain at the school as a teacher.

“The job was so appealing to me,” Farmer said. “Growing up in this area I’m not a stranger to the program at Bryan County.

“They’ve had some great players and coaches come through here,” Farmer said. “The community support and the support from the administration made it feel like a great spot for me and my wife (Rachael).

“I think it’s a great community, one passionate about its athletics. You could see that with the football program and its success last fall along with the success Justin had this spring…hosting a home playoff game was a great accomplishment. That’s something those seniors will cherish the rest of their life.”

Hosting playoff games and creating moments to be cherished for a lifetime are something Farmer knows well.

The Farmer name and baseball success are synonymous in the Savannah area.

As a player Kyle Farmer was a starting second baseman on two state championship teams at Calvary Day School and another which finished as runner-up while playing for his brother Kevin.

After playing at Newberry College he returned home to join Kevin’s staff at Benedictine where he helped the Cadets win two state championships and finish as runner-up another year.

Kevin Farmer, now a vice-principal at Benedictine, retired from coaching after the 2023 season. He had an overall record of 517-157-2 in 21 years as a head coach at CDS and BC with the four state titles and two runner-up finishes.  

When Farmer played at Calvary the Cavaliers and Redskins were both in Region 3A. At Benedictine the teams were also at one time both in Region 3AA. The Cadets now compete in Class 4A and Bryan County plays in Class A-DII.

While the Redskins are getting Kyle, not Kevin, the approach to the game will not differ from what Kyle learned at Calvary and then practiced at Benedictine.

Kevin was known for his meticulous approach and preparation, lessons which Kyle will carry with him into his first head coaching job.

“Our philosophy is a lot the same,” Farmer said. “That comes from growing up with him, being together in Chain baseball and from being around the same coaches and mentors.

“My goal for the baseball staff is to put a product on the field that the players, the school and the community can be proud of,” Farmer said. “I believe in taking pride in getting the small details right and playing the game the right way. The best compliment you can get is when someone tells you that you play the game the right way.

“I enjoyed coaching with my brother. That was something special, to be coached by him and then to coach with him. It was a blessing.”

Farmer said he had an opportunity to meet with some players last week and after spending Monday morning doing maintenance work on Redskins Field, he said he hopes to be able to start workouts in the near future and then set up a fall practice program.

“I’m excited about getting to know the team,” Farmer said. “This all happened quickly. I met with Mr. (Russ) Winter and Mrs. (Blaine) Ennis (principal and athletic director, respectively) and we share the same vision and expectations for the baseball program. I’m looking forward to getting started.”