LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD NAMES NEW VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH
Anthony Zehyoue has been named Loyola Blakefield’s new Varsity Football Coach. Zehyoue has served as Assistant Coach for the past two seasons. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history (2007) and master’s degree in teaching (2009) from Louisiana State University where he played as a defensive lineman from 2004-07. He was a member of the 2007 National Championship team.
“Anthony is the type of teacher and coach Loyola wants molding young men,” said John Marinacci, Principal. “By modelling and expecting hard work, care for each other, and accountability, he teaches lessons that go beyond the classroom and field. He brings a high level of passion and care to all aspects of his profession, and I am confident that his new role here will not only benefit our football program, but will also enhance his already measurable impact on our community.”
During his tenure at Loyola, he has primarily coached the offensive line, while also leading efforts to create and organize training programs to increase the cohesiveness of the program across all positions and developmental levels. Zehyoue has also guided the summer strength and conditioning program, with a focus on injury prevention and increased strength and flexibility. He is also a member of the History Department, teaching multiple courses of World History, Geography, and Civil Rights.
Prior to his time at Loyola, Zehyoue served as a teacher at Catholic High School of Baton Rouge. He was also an assistant on the varsity football staff and Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for all sports.
“My vision is to create a program that produces student-athletes who strive for academic, personal, and athletic excellence, while valuing the charism and mission of the Society of Jesus,” said Zehyoue. “My goal is to provide players with an environment that fosters and supports developmentally appropriate physical and mental health. For me, this means modeling Jesuit values while demonstrating an unselfish dedication to improving the skills and lives of our student-athletes.”
Zehyoue cites the mentorship of Tommy Moffitt (Strength Coach at LSU) and Dale Weiner (Head Coach at Catholic High) as major influences on his coaching philosophy. “They taught me how to channel my energy and intensity in order to effectively plan and implement a program. Coaching goes well beyond the X’s and O’s on the field,” said Zehyoue. “Building strong relationships with all program stakeholders, focusing on the well-being of those in your care, and seeing the big picture are all important aspects of being a coach.”
Zehyoue follows in the footsteps of Coach Brant Hall, who spent the past five seasons leading the program before stepping down at the conclusion of the 2016 season. “Brant was great to work with these past two years,” said Zehyoue. “He showed a lot of trust in my coaching abilities and a willingness to try new things together. His faith in my ability empowered me, and that says a lot about his leadership.”
