NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Northlake Christian School hires James Willis as Varsity Football Coach

(Covington, Louisiana) – Northlake Christian School (NCS) in Covington announced today that former NFL linebacker James Willis will become its new head football coach. Willis, who takes over from longtime NCS coach and Anthony Agresta, has coached with the (under ), (under ), (under Tommy Tuberville), Texas Tech (Tuberville) , and University of Louisiana Lafayette among other stops. Willis played in the NFL for six years with the , , and after being drafted in the 5th round by the Packers in 1993.

Willis, who holds his Bachelor of Science from Auburn University in Adult Education, will teach Health and Physical Education for NCS. He will lead the Wolverine football program, which includes teams at the varsity, junior varsity, middle school, and elementary school levels.

Quotes from James Willis (Head Football Coach), Glenn Martin (Head of School), Monty Fontenot (Interim Athletic Director), and Mickey Loomis (Executive Vice President for the New Orleans Saints):

Coach James Willis On behalf of the Willis family, I would like to thank the entire Northlake Christian Community for accepting us into the family. I am filled with both excitement and gratitude for the opportunity that God has blessed upon us to lead this football program. After more than 20 years of playing and coaching on both the collegiate and professional levels, I have a clear vision of what it takes to build a competitive program. I am fortunate to be a part of a very inspiring and talented group of coaches within our Athletic Department that share in one common goal of building upon the legacy at NCS. I look forward to serving our young students, not only on the football field and in the classroom, but in their spiritual growth as well.

Glenn Martin, Head of School at NCS After an extensive national search reaching to Virginia, Illinois, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and of course Louisiana and including experienced coaches from high schools, colleges, and the NFL, we are blessed to bring Coach Willis to Northlake Christian School. Our administrative team was impressed with his ability to communicate his faith and his plan for leading our students spiritually and physically in the football program and in the classroom. Of course, having a list of references that includes Sean Payton, Joe Vitt, Nick Saban, , , Jim McElwain, Tommy Tuberville, Marty Schottenheimer, and others speaks volumes for his football pedigree. Most importantly, we put each of our finalists in front of the team, and Coach Willis really connected with the boys. They are excited to get started with summer workouts under Coach Willis.

Monty Fontenot, Interim Athletic Director Coach Willis sat down with the other coaches in our program, and they really connected. Shannon Puder (volleyball), Cam Lewis (baseball), Tom Beale (powerlifting), Nick Chetta (soccer) and others look forward to welcoming Coach Willis to a campus where we encourage athletes to pursue multiple sports. With state championships this year in boys’ soccer, swimming, and powerlifting - and state finals appearances in girls basketball and volleyball, not to mention playoff runs in softball, baseball, and girls soccer - NCS athletics achieve a high level of success and we are excited about adding Coach Willis to the team!

Mickey Loomis, Executive Vice President for the New Orleans Saints I would like to congratulate Northlake Christian on their hire of James Willis as head football coach. James’ extensive experience playing and coaching in both college and the NFL will come of value to Northlake Christian and their student-athletes. Not only will the Northlake Christian Football program benefit from his professional experience and wealth of knowledge of football, but he will quickly make bonds with these kids, as he helps them grow as both players and young men. He will make a difference in their lives and be able to show them the hard work that is necessary to be successful both on and off the field.

Northlake Christian School is a private Christian school in Covington, LA that serves almost 800 students from Early Learning Center through twelfth grade. NCS is accredited by Advanc-Ed (formerly Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Northlake Christian School serves students and their families on a 35 acre campus in Covington off Three Rivers Road. More information on Northlake Christian School can be found online at www.northlakechristian.org.