General Excellence Louisiana Press Association CENTRALCENTRAL CITYCITY National Newspaper Assn. Central High Tops CP 5-1

Central HighUndefeated Baseball (4-0) Underway SeeSee Page Page 12-13, xx-xx 17 ® See Page 18 & The Leader NEWSNEWSMarch 2021 • Vol. 24 No. 3 • 20 Pages • Circulation 10,000 • Central City News on Facebook • [email protected] • 225-261-5055 He’s Trained 24 Head Coaches in State

DavidCoach Simoneaux Sid: A Coach’s Coach Goes to Catholic: Latest Prodigy of Legendary Coach Woody Jenkins Editor CENTRAL — David Simoneaux has been named head football coach at Catholic High. He is the latest of two dozen of Coach Sid Edwards’ former players and as- sistant coaches to be named head football coach or head basketball coach at schools in Louisiana, mostly in the Baton Rouge area. Coach Sid has been at Central High School for the past 15 years and previously coached at Re- demptorist in Baton Rouge and Jesuit in New Orleans. At Central, he has been Athletic Director, head football coach, and for two seasons head basketball coach. Coach Sid’s record at Redemp- torist was: DAVID SIMONEAUX is new head football coach at Catholic High, one of Coach Sid Edwards’ many former assistants who’ve risen. Football - 73-14 Basketball - 75-18 At Central High, his record is: Football - 108-41 Ashley Lewis-Rush Named Central A.D. Basketball - 42-12 CENTRAL —Central schools continue his fo- elite athletic program.” However, as the legendary Cen- Supt. Jason Fountain has appoint- cus on building “In a district of our size, we tral coach says, “At the pearly ed former college softball coach a championship need an individual who can coor- gates, Jesus won’t ask how many and Central High graduate Ashley football pro- dinate all of our athletic programs wins or losses we had!” Lewis Rush as the new Athletic gram for years and work with other feeder pro- For Sid Edwards, it’s all about Director of the Central Community to come. This grams, such as middle school and the kids he mentors and the col- School System. also allows our community youth sports programs, leagues he works with. Prior to the hire, the athletic di- other sports to ensure our students are given Since Coach Sid arrived at Cen- rector position was held by Coach programs to re- every opportunity to develop and tral High in 2006, this reporter has Sid Edwards, who will continue ceive greater at- compete at a high level,” he said. watched him address his teams af- to serve as Head Football Coach. tention so that Rush formerly coached college ter a big win or a narrow loss on Fountain said, “Splitting these we can create Ashley Rush softball teams at Northwestern See KEY on Page 14 positions will allow Coach Sid to an all-around New Central A.D. See NEW A.D. on Page 6 Lazaroe, Messina: Special Council Election Saturday CENTRAL — Former Central City Messina said he is concerned Councilman Wayne Messina is that the current Council has spent running for election to the Council all its time arguing with each other from District 1 in a Special Elec- and the mayor and has gotten noth- tion this Saturday, March 20. ing done. Messina said the big issue in He has walked every house in Central continues to be drainage, the district, he said. and he is angry the Corps of En- Meanwhile, his opponent, gineers continues to drag its feet Councilman Tim Lazaroe, agrees in construction of the Comite Di- that the Council has spent too version Canal, despite the fact the much time arguing. He wants to project is fully funded. He said he stop the fighting and work together will continue to push dredging of and with the school board. He fa- the Comite River, Blackwater Bay- vors locating City Hall at Hooper ou, and Beaver Creek. “It’s been at Sullivan, rather than behind 50 years since the Comite was Capital One on Hooper. dredged. It should be done at least “We really need to resolve our every 10 years,” he said. differences from the past and work Messina said he believes his ex- together,” he said. He is concerned about a low turnout and is encour- perience on the Council will be a SPECIAL ELECTION SATURDAY — Tim Lazaroe (left) and Wayne Messina are run- big plus for getting things done. ning for a seat on the Central City Council from District 1 this Saturday. aging everyone to vote Saturday. 2 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021

WATCH YOUR MONEY

Securities offered through with IAN JAMES International Assets Ad- visory, LLC – Member Real Life Experiences FINRA/SIPC Advisory services may be offered of How Others Have through International Planned their Retirements Assets Investment Man- agement, LLC or Global and Been Rewarded Assets Advisory, LLC 30 minute interview hosted by Woody Jenkins Watch at the following times on Central City News on Facebook: Sunday, March 21 6 p.m. Monday, March 22 6 p.m. March 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 3 Life Tabernacle Expands to 41-Acre Campus With 5,000-Seat Brush Arbor Freedom Center With Little Fanfare Church Has United Three Tracts into One, Begun Construction Woody Jenkins Editor CENTRAL — While the nation and state have shut down, Life Tabernacle Church in Central has been growing dramatically. One of the few churches in the country that continued in-person worship services in the sanctuary during the pandemic, it has held its own locally while developing a nation- wide ministry via the Central City News broadcast of services. Several million viewers have watched the church’s services on- line. On some individual Sundays, viewership has reached as many as 500,000. More than 600 people have been baptized at the church the past year. The 15 acres at the corner of Hooper and Sullivan roads was acquired by the church in 2005 LIFE TABERNACLE PASTOR TONY SPELL AND SISTER SHAYE SPELL pose on the pier over the pond on the six-acre tract for $1.1 million. That tract now the church has just acquired. This tract is the “missing piece” that unites 41 acres and will be the home of a 5,000-seat conference center. includes a 1,400-seat sanctuary, with a large concession stand, traveling between the two to go pond and a massive airplane han- gym, parsonage, and other fa- observation deck, youth ministry via Blackwater Road. However, gar, which was previously used to cilities. After the flood of August buildings, and a mobile home for on March 1, Life Tabernacle was repair airplanes. 2016, the church acquired a 20- retired Bishop Bervick Spell, who able to acquire the “missing link” Since the purchase, Rev. Tony acre tract on Blackwater Road near founded the ministry. between the properties — a six- Spell, members of the congrega- the original church property. That Unfortunately, the two tracts acre tract that has some unique tion and five Central contractors tract includes four baseball fields did not connect, requiring anyone advantages, including a beautiful See LIFE on Page 7

Quickly and Easily Refill RX Online Download Our New Improved Phone App iPhone and Android 4 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021

Election Saturday, March 20 in 2nd Congressional District Claston Bernard: Articulate Conservative Leads GOP Effort in Congressional Race BATON ROUGE — Satur- day is a day for Special Elections in Louisiana, and voters will choose a new Congressman from the 2nd Congressional District, re- placing Cedric Richmond. The district is heavily Democratic, but the Repub- lican, Claston Bernard, has proven to be an outstanding and aggressive campaigner. He is also an articulate conservative who quotes thinkers like Frederick Bas- tiat and Milton Friedman. On Tuesday, Bernard carried his message for freedom, constitutional government, and respect for human rights to the Ronald BILL SIMON AND JERRY ARBOR listen to Claston Bernard at the Reagan Newsmaker Lun- Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon Tuesday. Bernard is an articu- cheon at Café Américain in late spokesman for conservative causes and twice National Champion Baton Rouge. in track and field at LSU. Arbour is former Republican parish chairman. Bernard inspired the conservative audience with policies are bad, how does Bernard is well known in stories about his life, how your race help any of us?” Baton Rouge as an Olym- he was born in Jamaica “I wasn’t born in this pian who helped lead LSU but dreamed of coming to country, but I am an Ameri- to four straight National America. He said freedom can through and through.” NCAA championships. He is what makes America dif- He said encouraging marriage is the most im- told the audience some of ferent and worth defending. his track stories. He rejected appeals to portant thing we can do to fight poverty. He said we Bernard urged voters to REPUBLICAN RISING STAR CLASTON BERNARD at the Ron- race being made by the Left and said, “The key is should support the man and pick up the phone and call ald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon Tuesday. Bernard has been endorsed their friends in the 2nd Dis- by the Republican Party of Louisiana in the Special Election March 20 not race but policy. If your woman standing together to select a new Congressman from 2nd District. as a family. trict before Saturday. WAYNE ELECTION Saturday, Vote MESSINACouncil District 1 March 20 PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR AND LIFE-LONG PUBLIC SERVANT

• Married 50 years to Janet Mitchell VOTE WAYNE MESSINA Messina • 2 Children, Fran Man- We know Wayne as an honest, hard- zulla (Michael) and Todd Messina working former Councilman who returns (Becky) • 4 Grandchildren, Domi- calls and does everything he possibly nick, Isabella, Megan, and Evan can to help the citizens of Central. Wayne takes a very active role in the • B. A., Nicholls State community of Central, serving on the Masters of Education, LSU BREC Finance Committee and the St. Al- phonsus Food Bank, and helping to se- • Teacher and Coach, 18 years cure millions of dollars for the Diversion Principal and Assistant Principal, Canal. He was instrumential in getting the 16 years Council on Aging to locate in Central to serve our senior citizens. As a member of • Director of Security, EBR Parish the City Council, he helped establish the Public Schools, 13 years “Rainy Day Fund” of $750,000 per year until that fund reached $7 million. This • Named Louisiana’s Assistant made sure that, in the event of a major Principal of the Year disaster our government would be able • Eucharistic Minister, St. Alphon- to survive because of this “disaster fund” was established. sus Catholic Church As a member of the Council, he • Past Grand Knight, St. Alphonsus served the people of Central seven days Knights of Columbus Council a week. There is a slogan that fits Wayne • Member, Central City Council, quite well: “We all work for perfection in 8-1/2 years the name and sake of others.” Please vote for Wayne on March 20, • Recently Elected to Republican the City of Central needs him. State Central Committee — Friends of Wayne Messina VOTE Wayne Messina - Council Dist. 1 March 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 5

COMMUNITY PRESS, LLC St. George Leader CENTRAL CITY NEWS & Vol. 2 • No. 2 The Leader Vol. 24 • No. 3 • CCN No. 450 Post Office Box 2 Post Office Box 1 City of St. George, LA 70801 City of Central, LA 70739

910 North Foster Drive Vol. 4 • No. 2 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone (225) 261-5055 • Entire contents © 2021 Email stories and photos for all papers to [email protected] Published Monthly The Leader was founded April 30, 1998. The Central City News was founded April 21, 2005. They merged May 4, 2006. The South Baton Rouge Journal began publication in 1989. It went on hiatus in 2008 during its 20th year of publication. It resumed publication as the Capital City News on Aug. 16, 2012, with Vol. 21, No. 1. The North Baton Rouge Journal began on August 11, 1966 and went on hiatus in 1976. It resumed publication as the Istrouma Journal on April 6, 2017.

Editor & Publisher Woody Jenkins Advertising Manager Kim Powers

Member, Louisiana Press Association and Chamber of Commerce of EBR Parish Deadline for news and advertising: 5 p.m. Friday before publication $24 a year by subscription in advance • $36 a year outside East Baton Rouge NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Ashley Lewis Rush with her husband Gordy and their family when Ashley was honored last year for her success at Central High School. 10 of 29,357 People in Central Currently Test Positive for Covid Time to Ditch the Masks in Central Schools ton Rouge Parish coroner’s of- It should be no surprise that and Jamie Pope have exposed the The Risk of Covid to fice showed something else a few BESE voted the way they did. facts and given elected officials all months ago. The youngest per- They didn’t bother to hear any dis- the information they need to justify Students Has Always son to die of Covid in East Baton senting opinions, other than their termination of mandatory masks. Rouge Parish was 28 years old! own, when they considered the Now the infection rate is so low Been Miniscule; Now For all practical purposes, Covid matter. Citizens who oppose man- that even the most ardent maskers does not endanger young people. datory masks were excluded from must realize the absurdity of con- Charade Must End Last June, the Central Commu- the room. Now litigation is chal- tinuing to force kids to mask. nity School Board adopted policies lenging BESE’s actions and hope- Here in Central only 10 of our Woody Jenkins that would have given students the fully the courts will do justice. 29,357 residents tested positive for Editor option to wear masks or not. Then Despite the best efforts of the Covid in the most recent week. There was never any justifica- the State Board of Elementary and media and the Democratic party to Not many school board mem- tion — legally, scientifically, or Secondary Education jumped in endlessly stoke the flames of fear, bers in this state have courage. But rationally — for requiring students and decreed that all students in pub- Covid is clearly dying, and every- Central’s school board does! It’s in Louisiana’s public and private lic and private school in Louisiana one knows it. time they vote to end the masking schools to where a mask to school should have to mask— regardless Here in Central, a dedicated of students and make their position every day. There was not a sin- of the facts or any consideration of group of mothers of school chil- clear to the governor, the legisla- gle scientific study that showed it the negative physical and psycho- dren has been unrelenting in their ture, and the media. made any difference at all. logical effects of students being opposition to mandatory masking. The emperor has no clothes, and Records from the East Ba- forced to wear masks. Citizens such as Brittney Sherlin it’s time someone said so! Victory for Open Meetings in Suit by CCN Staffer Woody Jenkins had to mask, that she would have loway was operating illegally and but whether a decree by the gover- Editor anyone without a mask thrown out violated Ms. Powers’ constitutional nor can create an exception to the of the meeting. rights. She wanted to presented ev- citizens’ right to attend public meet- Chief District Judge Wilson Sure enough, she proceeded to idence against the harmful effects ings. Fields has ruled in favor of Cen- have Kim Powers, advertising man- of masking children, but the board BESE filed an objection, saying tral’s Kim Powers in her efforts to ager of the Central City News forc- never heard that information. that Ms. Powers had no cause of ac- defend Louisiana citizens’ constitu- ibly removed from the meeting. As a result, Kim Powers filed tion in the case. But Judge Fields tional right to have open meetings The problem with that is that it suit against BESE and each of the last week overruled BESE’s objec- of public bodies — a right that is in violates the Louisiana Constitution. BESE members asking that BESE tions, and the suit will proceed. Ms. great danger right now. The Louisiana Constitution is very be enjoined from barring citizens in Powers’ attorney Alex St. Amant Last July the State Board of El- clear. Art XII, Section 3 provides the future and that the action taken says she will ultimately prevail in ementary and Secondary Education that meetings of governmental bod- by BESE during that meeting where this case. She should! Our rights was considering whether to require ies in the state shall be open to the they voted to require students to are under attack today, and a citi- 800,000 Louisiana students to wear public, except as provided by law. mask be nullified, as required by zen who stands up to the might of masks all day in every public and In other words, unless a law has state law! lawless government should be com- private school in the state. Before been passed by the legislature to What’s at issue here is not masks mended and supported by all of us! the public hearing began, BESE create an exemption, then the meet- president Sandy Holloway arro- ing is open. gantly “ruled” that if you wanted The legislature has never passed to come to their meeting and speak a law saying that public meetings against mandatory masks, you can be closed to members of the Premier TIRE & AUTO would have to wear a mask! She public that don’t wear a mask. As publicly stated in the meeting that a result, there is no exemption like since the governor said everyone that under Louisiana law. Ms. Hol- MondayMonday -- FridayFriday 77 a.m.a.m. -- 5:305:30 p.m.p.m. SaturdaySaturday 77 a.m.a.m. -- 1:301:30 p.m.p.m. ClosedClosed SundaySunday

1247012470 HooperHooper Rd,Rd, BatonBaton Rouge,Rouge, LALA 7081870818

Wheel Alignment Tire and Lube Brakes and Suspension Locally Owned and Operated Oil Changes 225-372-2659 6 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021 Greenwell Springs Youth Riders to Host Pro Rodeo at Shady Park Arena May 7-8

GREENWELL SPRINGS YOUTH RIDERS prepare for the 63rd Annual Pro Rodeo May 7-8. Come out to Shady Park Arena with your family for a fun-filled evening! CENTRAL –– The Greenwell Founded more than 60 years ago, annual Pro Rodeo, May 7 and May Central, Louisiana. The 2021 rodeo Springs Youth Riders is a Western- this organization performs at rode- 8 at the BREC Shady Park Arena, will feature bull riding, team rop- style equestrian drill team with os, parades and drill competitions. 7585 Shady Park, just off Green- ing, breakaway roping, calf rop- membership from ages 8 to 18 years. This year, they celebrate the 63rd well Springs Road, in the City of ing, ranch style bronc riding, bar- rel racing and a performance by a professional equestrian trick rider. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night. Gates open at 6 p.m.. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students to age 17, with 5 and under free! Come out Saturday for the Queen’s Contest and Ranch Rodeo. Please check the Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/GSYRiders/) or website (https://gsyr.webs.com/) for more details. Please come enjoy this unique, exciting performance and enjoy the full concession stand. New Central AD Continued from Page 1 State, and SLU, and Kentucky. She attended Central High School from 1994 to 1997 and won two state championships while a mem- ber of the softball team. She was named the first “Miss Louisiana” in softball in 1996. Rush played softball at Texas A&M and LSU. She is married to sports radio per- sonality and former LSU football player Gordy Rush. They moved to Central in 2011 to raise their fam- ily. Their three children all attend schools in the Central Community School System.

The Best Price In Roofing & Sheet Metal Services Blanco’s Roofing & Sheet Metal LLC Serving Central and the Surrounding Area Since 1990 Our Top Priority Is Your Complete Satisfaction COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL 262-1980 Fax 262-1981 • www.blancosroofing.com [email protected] 13653 Devall Road • Central, LA 70818 March 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 7

Property Purchased on Blackwater Road Expands Church Life Tabenacle Church Growing

NEW PROPERTY ADDED TO LIFE TABERNACLE making a total campus of 41 acres for the church at the corner of Hooper and Blackwater roads.

CENTRAL — Readers of the Cen- tral City News were asked for their comments on President Trump. Here’s what they said: • Patricia Keith Watts and Vee KayGee - Thank you President Trump, for demanding other nations REV. TONY SPELL walking the new property acquired by his ministry. At right, preparing to add a concrete floor to the conference center, which will seat 5,000 people. pay their share to the United Na- Continued from Page 3 tions. Thank you for declaring Je- moved, the land has been graded, rusalem as capital of Israel. You are have been working night and day to concrete has been poured, and sod a brave soul like no other President. transform the property and unify it has been laid. Here are details: • Maureen Robichaux O’Brien - with the other two tracts. • 1,074 cubic yards of trees and Thank you for being the “People’s The airplane hangar will be con- debris have been removed. President” and putting America verted into the Brush Arbor Free- • Bulkheads have been installed first! dom Center, a 5,000-seat confer- in 50 percent of the pond. • Terrie Matis Bourgeois and ence center that will be used for • 100 truckloads of soil and sand Terri Courtney: Thank you for national and state gatherings of all have been brought in. being pro life and pro family. sorts. Last summer, when national • 120 yards of concrete have • Tom Davis - Thank you, Pres- youth conferences around the coun- been poured, completing the foun- ident Trump, for standing strong try were cancelled, Life Tabernacle dation of the former airplane hangar. and never giving up! hosted Revolution, a nationwide • 6,000 bolts have been replaced • Sybil Allis - Thank you for camp-style meeting for Pentecostal in the roof being there for us when we thought youth. More than 3,000 young peo- • Beams have been painted. nobody was. We knew you had our ple from almost every state partici- • A 20x120 patio is being formed back. Through your many rallies, pated in the three-day conference. behind the gym, which will provide we all felt a kinship with you. For that event, Life Tabernacle a place to sit and eat outdoors. • Terrie Matis Bourgeois - You rented a giant tent, flooring, and air • The three mobile homes on the are the Best President ever! conditioning. It was a success and properly will be removed soon. • Katie Detiveaux - Pro-Life online viewership topped half a • 18,250 square feet of sod have March. Exposing the Swamp! million viewers. been laid. • Becky Gammon - I’d like to Now the rush is to complete the • Landscaping will begin shortly thank you for keeping all you prom- conversion of the airplane hangar to thereafter. ises to us and our USA! Thank you the new conference center in time • Completion of the bulkhead for all your great accomplishments! for the opening of Revolution on should come soon along with a na- Thank you for making a mockery June 30. The conference will run ture trail and prayer garden. of the mainstream media, and thank from June 30 to July 4 and conclude Contractors on the project in- you for saving our freedom from with a fireworks display over the clude Gomez Construction, Total the Chinese Community Party and baseball fields. Foundations, Meristream Tree Co., the traitors in our country. Thank The six-acre tract has been Charlie Kleinpeter dirt work, and you for cutting ties with the World transformed dramatically since it Coastal Bulkheads. Health Organization. Thank you for was purchased March 1. The land The Central City News Face- praising Jesus and not just vaguely has been cleared of trash trees and book page should provide frequent updates. A - 15 acres purchased by Life Tabernacle in 2005. B - 20 acres purchased in 2016. saying God like most politicians do. underbrush, fences have been re- C- Six acres purchased March 1. Tract C will be the home of the conference center. • Susan Elam Williams - Thank you for being honest and bringing God back! We are so proud to call you our President and our HERO! Promises made and promises kept! Sunrise Prayer Service • Robelynn Abadie - Thank you for tackling difficult issues March 5, 2021 • New Property and not taking a pass. Too easy for those who proclaimed “not on my Acquired by Life Tabernacle watch”. You doubled down with undue courage. • Michael A Gallegos - Thanks for supporting our military. • Michael DiResto - Thank you for your Federal judge appoint- ments. You have filled the federal benches with strong textualists and originalists who will call balls and strikes based on what the law says, rather than legislate from the bench and create new law out of whole cloth. Judges who will not be swayed by whatever new progres- sive fad leads them to vote a “liv- ing Constitution” that erodes our fundamental freedoms • Kimberly T. Powers - Thank you for being fearless and tireless while keeping the promises you made to the citizens of this great country. • Todd LeJune - Thank you for 8 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021 Gary, Marianne Chapman Celebrated 60 Years of Marriage on February 13

Gary and Marianne Chapman, the owners of Plant World celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by their loved ones on February 13. BATON ROUGE — Gary and Mari- and Cindi Chapman of Amissville, memorable evening that was en- the couple’s blossoming romance anne Chapman celebrated 60 years VA, and Jeff and Susan Chapman joyed by all! was not to be. Then Gary phoned of marriage Saturday evening Feb- of Pikeville, TN; plus numerous Gary and Marianne Chapman are Marianne and proposed over the ruary 13, with a family gathering at grandchildren from Tennessee, the owners of Plant World Hardware phone! the home of their oldest son, Gary Florida, and Virginia via Zoom. and Nursery on Greenwell Springs Marianne boarded a north-bound Chapman Jr. in Baker. Gary and Marianne’s daughter- Road in Baton Rouge. Gary is orig- train to Memphis and the coupled Family was present including in-law, Tara James Chapman, and inally from North Little Rock, and married on her arrival. grandchildren Jason and Misty granddaughter Misty Chapman Re- Marianne is originally from Baton The rest, as they say, is history! (Chapman) Regan, Kevin and gan, decorated the home with fresh Rouge. Today, the couple resides in Cen- Heather (Chapman) Accord, and flowers and fine china. The couple met in 1960 while treville, Mississippi. They continue great-grandchildren Nannette and A delicious meal of fried and both were working at the newly- to run their business in Baton Rouge Annabelle Regan and Jackson Ac- boiled seafood from Tony’s Sea- opened Woolworth’s store in Bon- every day and enjoy their three cord. food was enjoyed and after dinner Marche shopping center. dogs, two cats, three sons, three The event was also attended vir- a beautiful cake, made by Tara and Shortly after meeting, Gary was daughters-in-law, 18 grandchildren, tually by the couple’s two younger Misty, was cut by the couple and transferred to a Memphis Wool- and nine great-grandchildren (with sons and daughters-in-law, Steve served to all the guests. It was a worth’s location, and it seemed that more on the way)! March 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 9 Central Community School System Names 2021 Students of the Year

Central Middle Student of the Year Bellingrath Student of the Year Ava Nehring Rilen Wilkes

Central High Student of the Year Victoria Pursifull with Supt. Jason Fountain Tanglewood Student of the Year Central Intermediate ChiChi Nguyen Student of the Year Baylee Osborne CENTRAL –– The Central Com- friends since moving to Central. A student, and the starting catcher destitute,” and so she plans to at- munity School System has an- She likes to play outside with her on the Louisiana 007’s softball tend Southeastern in the fall to ma- nounced its Students of the Year. friends and ride bikes around her team. In addition to her involve- jor in psychology. • Bellingrath Elementary neighborhood. ment in several CMS clubs and Her future may include a gradu- Student of the Year Rilen Wilkes Chi Chi also loves to tumble. teams, she has interests in calligra- ate degree, law school, or the min- is in all ways an exceptional stu- She takes tumbling classes at phy and cooking. istry, all platforms from which she dent. He loves to learn, is always Tumble Cats where she is work- Ava has shown a great love for can use her voice — as she writes kind to his peers, and works hard ing on cartwheels, handstands, and the people of her community by — “to speak up for the oppressed, at all he does. His teacher said, roundoffs. volunteering at the Central Food the children that cannot speak for “He is the first one to check on a When ChiChi grows up she Bank. She also has a passion for themselves, and the lonely, and to friend who is hurt and the first one wants to be a teacher so she can animal welfare. make everyone around her feel a to give up his crayon so someone teach other kids a love for learning. In the future, Ava would like bit more loved.” Congratulations can have a turn.” • Central Intermediate Stu- to attend college at Duke Univer- to CHS Student of the Year Victo- Rilen is a true leader partly be- dent of the Year Baylee Osborne sity. Even though her career path ria Pursifull! cause of his caring nature, but also is a 5th grader at Central Interme- is still undecided, her determina- because of his academic strengths diate School. She lives with her sis- tion to make a difference and im- and classroom participation. ter Allison, who is a 6th grader, her pact many people is what pushes Rilen loves being with his mom Hollee, who is a home health her to work so hard now. She has family. In his free time, he en- nurse, and her dad Scott, who is had great success in both academ- joys drawing and playing outside an Algebra II teacher at Central ics and athletics and believes that games like tag and hide and seek. High. She enjoys spending time balancing pressure from all these He especially loves playing with with her family and taking part in angles has formed her to be a stu- his sister who is currently teach- many hobbies and interests such as dent, athlete, and leader with in- ing him how to climb trees. art, puzzles, and table tennis. She dependence, integrity, and a nev- Rilen says that being a good participates in athletics through er-give-up attitude. Her teachers friend means “helping people up” basketball and swim teams. Baylee agree whole-heartedly. and giving hugs. “School is im- also plays piano, clarinet, and for • Central High School Stu- portant,” Rilen says, “so kids can the past year, the melodica, which dent of the Year Victoria Pursi- learn their ABC’s and numbers” is a mix of both the piano and clari- full. Victoria, daughter of James and “learn to sing in music class.” net. Baylee is an avid reader and and Jessica Pursifull, exemplifies Rilen is a fun, happy, sweet stu- enjoys Greek, Roman, and Egyp- the “Wildcat Way” through her dent who lights up every person tian mythology, as well as African dedication to her academics, her he meets. American fiction. kindness to her classmates, and her Austin Reason CHS Senior • Tanglewood Elementary Baylee has been inspired by her commitment to her community. A Student of the Year ChiChi dad to possibly pursue teaching, few of Victoria’s honors and ac- Reason Wins 3rd Place Nguyen is 7 years old and is a and additionally inspired by her complishments include: Valedic- second grade student in Mrs. Sat- mother and grandmother to pursue torian of the Class of 2021, AP In La. Wrestling Tourney terwhite’s class at Tanglewood a path in science. Although Baylee Scholar, Dual Enrollment student, Central High’s Austin Reason Elementary. ChiChi has an older is unsure at this time which career a 30+ score on her ACT, Student has placed 3rd at the 48th Louisi- brother named Leho who is in path she may choose, she does Council representative, Beta Club ana Classic Wrestling Tournament. the Navy and stationed in Japan. know that her goal is to recycle and member, Mu Alpha Theta member, His hard work, dedication and When her brother is home visit- to make the world a better place. DEMCO finalist, Spanish and AP striving to achieve new goals has ing, ChiChi loves going to the She lives by the words her dad al- Government award winner, and gotten him to where he is today. park and get ice cream with him. ways tells her, “Do your best be- youth leader at her church. Austin is the first Central High se- She enjoys doing chores like cause that is all you can do.” Victoria has written that she nior to Place 3rd at the La Classic. washing dishes and mopping to • Central Middle School Stu- feels her mission in life is -- to Austin will be visiting Lakeland help out. She also likes to help he dent of the Year Ava Nehring is quote Proverbs — to “Speak up for University in Wisconsin where he mom in her nail salon. the daughter of Logan and Aimee those who cannot speak for them- will be signing a letter of commit- ChiChi has made several new Nehring, sister to Haley, a straight- selves, for the rights of all who are ment. 10 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021 March 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 11 12 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021

Central Community to Honor Oak Point Staff Saturday 2021 Central High Letter to the Editor Jonathan Sumich will transport our community with great service Varsity Baseball A small group of us are orga- the meals to their Watson location. and care, and to recognize their Schedule nizing an Appreciation Lunch for My friend, Olivia Carroll, is orga- work during these challenging the employees of Oak Point gro- nizing a team of volunteers to pre- times. Thought you might want Mar 18 Teurlings Catholic H cery stores. Daniel Newman and I pare baked goods for the desserts. to consider covering the event for Mar 19 Northshore A will be cooking a pastalaya on the We’re doing this as a way to your paper. Feel free to contact me Mar 20 St. Charles Cath H grounds at the Central location on show our appreciation from the at 504-451-5842. Saturday, March 20, and plan to community to the Oak Point team Thanks! Mar 20 Catholic High H begin serving around 11:30 a.m. members who continue to provide John Crifasi Mar 23 Central Private A Mar 25 Dutchtown H Mar 26 Doyle A Mar 29 St. Michael A Apr 1 Denham Springs A Apr 3 Denham Springs H Apr 6 Scotlandville H Apr 8 Scotlandville A Apr 10 Walker A Apr 13 Walker H Apr 15 Zachary A Apr 17 Zachary H Apr 20 Live Oak H Apr 22 Live Oak A Apr 24 South Terrebonne H Apr 28 Bi District TBA May 4 Regionals TBA May 8 Quarter Finals TBA May 13 State Tournament May 14 State Tournament May 15 State Tournament Head Coach: Leo McClure Principal: Brandon LaGroue

2021 Central Private Varsity Baseball Schedule Mar 18 St. John A Mar 19 St. John H Mar 23 Central H Mar 25 Covenant Christian H Mar 27 Covenant Christian A Mar 30 Slaughter Charter H Mar 31 Loranger H Apr 1 Slaughter Charter A Apr 3 Patterson A Apr 6 False River A Apr 7 Livonia H Apr 9 Ascension Catholic H Apr 13 Southern Lab H Apr 15 Southern Lab A Apr 16 Episcopal A Apr 17 Episcopal H Apr 23 Parkview A Head Coach: Seth Stephens Principal: Robert Martin

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Gene Simmons, 93, Retired Principal Troup 322 BATON ROUGE Brownfields El- in. He is survived by his son, Eagle Scouts - Arnold Eugene ementary, Baker Alan; brother Jimmy (June) (Gene) Simmons of Junior and Senior and sister- in-law Juanita Bur- Baton Rouge passed High School and roughs. He is also survived away on Feb. 12, Tara High School. by his grandchildren Kyle 2021 at the age of 93 Gene retired from (Mandy) Stephanie (Glynn) with Gloria, his wife East Baton Rouge Jeffery (Rachel) Joseph (Jes- of 74 years, at his Parish School sica) Victoria (Travis) as well side. Gene was born Board as the di- as six great grandchildren and in Baton Rouge to rector of staff three great-great grandchildren. Lille and Shelton development. Gene was a devout Christian. Simmons. He was He was a mem- He knew that Jesus was his Lord a graduate of Is- ber of many lo- and Savior. He was a member of trouma High School Arnold Eugene Simmons cal organizations. Blackwater United Methodist where he was on the He was an Church. Gene’s kind and gentle football and basketball teams. avid outdoorsman and enjoyed Eagle Scouts Trevor Bryan soul will be greatly missed by and Jackson Bell He then served in the U.S. working in his yard, fishing at all who knew and loved him. Navy and after returning home, his camp on False River and Pallbearers will be his grand- CENTRAL — On Jan. 11 two he entered Southeastern Col- deer hunting. He is preceded sons and great grandchildren young men in Troop 322 at St. lege on a football scholarship. in death by his parents Lillie sons. In lieu of flowers, dona- Alphonsus Catholic Church — He received his Bachelor’s Trevor Bryan and Jackson Bell and Shelton Simmons, and his tions can be made to charity of — earned the rank of Eagle degree from Southeastern and brothers Lamar and Shelton. your choice. Family and friends Scout. earned his masters plus 30 Also preceded by his daugh- may sign the online guestbook In addition to attaining the hours at Louisiana State Uni- ter Shelley and her husband or leave a personal note to the required merit badges, they versity. Buster Junkin as well as a great family at www.resthavenba- completed a service project for Gene was the principal of granddaughter Clarabelle Junk- tonrouge.com the community. Trevor Bryan made a bench for the kids at Zachary Christian Academy. Jackson Bell made an incentive case for an after school pro- gram at Healing Place Church. Istrouma Graduate Laid to Rest Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts Easy, flavorful and... have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2.5 mil- lion youth. 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St. George Leader #73 Kate Dake - Furniture, boxes, Electrical and misc. goods. #315 - Deanna Ham- Central High Sideline Football Dirt WorkWork ilton - Furniture, household goods, Istrouma High Sideline Football boxes and misc. goods. #234 - Tiffany Propes - Household goods, boxes and Call 225-921-8784 • 261-5055 Simple Electric General Sand & Gravel Co. Installation of All Electrical Work Limestone, Gravel, Mason Sand, Clay, Top Soil, misc. goods. #273- Wanda Jarreau - Kim Powers • Ad Manager Commercial • Residental Furniture, boxes, and misc. goods. Community Press, LLC Riversilt, Crushed Concrete, Tractor Work, Over 35 Years Experience • Any Size Job Swimming Pool Demo & Fill-In FLAT FOR RENT: One bed- Parking Lot Lights, Security Lights, and Video room flat for rent in central. Pri- centralcitynews Parking Lot Lights, Security Lights, and Video 225-261-3953 @hotmail.com 225-921-2633 vate entrance. Call 225-939-4105 14 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021 Key: Giving Autonomy to Coaches Continued from Page 1 Others.” more than 100 occasions. One of Men for Others is the name of a the interesting things about those service organization Coach Sid cre- speeches is that he rarely talks HEAD COACHES ated to provide a means for mem- about football. Rather, he talks Mentored by Coach Sid Edwards bers of his football teams to serve about character, hard work, family, Baton Rouge Area Schools the Central community. They have given thousands of hours of their becoming a good husband and fa- BRUSLY HIGH - Head Baseball Coach Mike Forbes was Assistant Foot- ther, being a role model, and being ball Coach under Coach Sid. time and made a difference for many years. a good member of the community. CATHOLIC HIGH - Current Head Football Coach David Simoneaux served Over his more than 30 years as Assistant Coach under Coach Sid at Central High. J. P. Kelly, current Dunham’s Neil Weiner in coaching, Coach Sid has been Catholic High Athletic Director, played and was Assistant Coach under Sid Former Zachary Head Football named Louisiana’s High School Edwards at Redemptorist. Former Head Golf Coach Pat Delaney was As- Coach Neil Weiner, now Head Coach of the Year for 5A football sistant Football Coach under Coach Sid at Redemptorist and Jesuit. Football Coach at Dunham, said and coached two State Champion- CATHOLIC HIGH OF POINTE COUPEE - Former Head Football Coaches this about his former coach: ship teams in football and one in David Simoneaux, Neil Varnado, and Paul Varnado all served as Assis- “I was coached by Sid as a basketball. tant Coaches under Coach Sid. 14-year-old but knew him even However, one of his most note- CENTRAL HIGH - Former Head Football Coach Doug Dotson, for- before that, hanging around as a worthy accomplishments has been mer Head Basketball Coach Brian Hargroder, and former Head Base- coach’s kid at Catholic High School his ability to duplicate himself — to ball Coach Mike Forbes were Assistant Coaches under Coach Sid. during my middle school days. Lat- build men who share his values and DUNHAM HIGH - Current Head Basketball Coach Jonathan Pixley played er Sid gave me my first part-time his leadership style. These men in under Coach Sid. Current Head Football Coach Neil Weiner played and job, cleaning up at Alex Box Sta- turn have duplicated themselves. was Assistant Coach under Coach Sid. Former Head Football Coach Guy dium during summer league high Interestingly, most have also be- Mistretta was Assistant Coach under Coach Sid. school games in the early 90’s.” come his friendly rivals who pride DUTCHTOWN HIGH - Head Football Coach Guy Mistretta was Assistant “Then Sid gave me my first full- themselves in leading their teams Coach under Coach Sid. time job as an assistant on his staff against their former coach and FALSE RIVER ACADEMY - Former Head Football Coach Matt Edwards at Redemptorist. I learned many sometimes winning. was Assistant Coach under Coach Sid. lessons in my time with Sid. One that has made a large impact is that The Secret Revealed LIVE OAK HIGH - Former Head Football Coach David Dykes was Assis- In the course of researching tant Coach under Coach Sid. Former Head Basketball Coach Brian Har- leaders are readers. Sid was always this story, the Central City News groder played basketball and was Assistant Football Coach under Coach reading. To this day I am always uncovered the reason Coach Sid Sid. reading some book trying to find the next edge to success or how to help has had unprecedented success in LIVONIA HIGH - Head Basketball Coach Jameion St. Cyr played under breeding future head coaches who Coach Sid, and former Head Football Coach Guy Mistretta was Assistant others. Another lesson from Sid ventured off from under his wings Coach under Coach Sid. was to give young people as many chances as you can before cutting and went on to field great teams McKINLEY HIGH - Former Head Football Coach Ken Hilton was Assistant and win countless district and state Coach under Coach Sid, them loose. Sometimes those young championships for their schools. people never get the message, but PORT ALLEN HIGH - Former High Head Football Coach Guy Blanchard most of them do, even if it’s after Before this story is complete, we is now Defensive Coordinator at Livonia High. He formerly was Assistant will reveal his secret. Keep read- Coach under Coach Sid. Current Head Basketball Coach Derrick Jones they graduate.” ing! played under Coach Sid. “The best lesson I learned from him was that every player has his Central High’s biggest rival is REDEMPTORIST HIGH - Former Head Football Coach Guy Mistretta, for- undoubtedly Zachary High School, mer Head Basketball Coach Joey Sanchez, and former Head Basketball own story and we can’t just assume located just northwest of Central. Coach Brian Hargroder were Assistant Coaches under Coach Sid. their story is like ours. I can still Zachary’s current Athletic Di- remember yelling at a player be- ST. AMANT HIGH - Head Baseball Coach Brandon Bravata played foot- cause I didn’t think his effort was rector and Head Football Coach, ball under Coach Sid at Redemptorist. Bravata was formerly head coach David Brewerton, former Zach- at Berwick High. meeting a championship standard. I ary High Head Football Coach Neil was right about the effort but I was ST. MICHAEL HIGH - Head Football Coach Joey Sanchez and former wrong about how I addressed it. Weiner, and former Zachary High Head Football Coach Paul Varnado were Assistant Coaches under Coach Head Basketball Coach Brian Har- Sid at Redemptorist. After it happened and practice was groder all played on Sid Edwards’ over, Sid let me know what I didn’t SCOTLANDVILLE HIGH - Former Head Football Coach Ken Hilton was know. The young man who wasn’t teams and later served as Assistant Assistant Coach under Coach Sid. Coaches under Coach Sid. giving the effort I had expected had UNIVERSITY HIGH - Former Head Football Coach Chad Mahaffey was been left alone at his home for over Zachary’s David Brewerton Assistant Coach under Coach Sid. When asked about Sid Edwards, a week. The player’s father was not here’s what Zachary Head Football WALKER HIGH - Current Head Football Coach Chad Mahaffey played in his life. The player’s mom had and was Assistant Coach under Sid Edwards. Former Texas high school been “out” for several nights. The Coach David Brewerton said, “It Head Football Coach Arron Vice played and was Assistant Coach under bills hadn’t been paid and the elec- is difficult to put into words what Coach Sid. He is now Offensive Coordinator at Walker High. Doug Dotson tricity was turned off. He had no Coach Sid Edwards means to me was Head Football Coach at Central and Comeaux. He is now defensive food at home. And here I was — the personally. Many of the things that coordinator at Walker. He was Assistant Coach under Coach Sid. cocky, young coach — telling him I do within our program come from ZACHARY HIGH - Current Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Da- he wasn’t doing enough for me!! the way I cut my teeth under his di- vid Brewerton, former Head Football Coach Neil Weiner, and former Head I’m still ashamed of how I treated rection as a person and as a coach. Basketball Coach Brian Hargroder all played and were Assistant Coaches under Coach Sid. that young man. Sid did a masterful I have been blessed to be under his job of teaching me a lesson while direction at many different times Other Areas in my life. He was my 6th grade keeping my dignity intact — even CATHOLIC TEURLINGS - Former Head Baseball Coach Mike Thibodeaux though I hadn’t given that young basketball coach, He was my 9th was Assistant Coach under Coach Sid. grade football coach and he hired player the same treatment.” me directly out of college to be on CHALMETTE HIGH - Current Head Football Coach Jason Tucker was As- Walker’s Chad Mahaffey his staff at Redemptorist. There sistant Coach under Sid Edwards Walker High Head Football are not enough hours in the day to COMEAUX HIGH - Former Head Football Coach Doug Dotson was As- Coach Chad Mahaffey played and completely describe the positive sistant Coach under Sid Edwards. coached under Coach Sid. He said influence he has had on me and on GULFPORT HIGH (Mississippi) - Head Basketball Coach Lorenzo Wright this about his former coach: countless others who have either played under Coach Sid. “I first got to know Coach Sid when he was my freshmen football played or coached for him.” HATHAWAY HIGH - Former Head Basketball Coach Joe Richey played “There is one conversation that under Coach Sid. coach at Catholic High in 1992. Al- I vividly remember, when I was a though he barely played me – and NEW IBERIA HIGH - Head Basketball Coach Todd Russ played under deservedly so —­ I was able to be a very young man, that he had with Coach Sid. me about how to be a successful part of an undefeated team for the coach. He told me that good coach- POPE JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL (Slidell) - Former Athletic Director first time in any sport in my athletic and Head Football Coach Mark Jeanmard was Assistant Coach under Sid career. It is a memory that is still es are able to get their players to Edwards at Redemptorist. He is now at Central. execute at a high level. But great fresh in my mind many years later.” coaches are the ones who form SULPHUR HIGH - Head Football Coach Chris Towery was Assistant See IT’S ABOUT on Page 15 deep, personal relationships with Coach under Coach Sid. their players and have the passion College Coaches to learn each of their stories…and HENDRICKS COLLEGE (Arkansas) - Thomas Edelman is Defensive Co- What Did We Lose in the then can get them to execute. Big ordinator. He played under Coach Sid. Great Flood? — Coach Sid difference!” LSU - David Bowen played under Coach Sid. He is in recruiting at the LSU Download “I am forever indebted to Sid for Athletic Department. the things he taught me and for tak- QR Reader ing a chance on me in this profes- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (Lafayette) - Mark Hauke is Strength Coach. Scan sion. But, most of all, his treatment He was Assistant Coach under Coach Sid. here of people has influenced me the UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (Monroe) - Mike Gardner is Strength Coach. most. He is a tremendous husband, He was Assistant Coach under Coach Sid. father, coach and truly is a Man for March 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 15

It’sContinued About from Page 14 the Kids and Charactercommunity.” “I can remember the confidence “You want a ‘Kids First Coach,’ and toughness that Sid brought to someone who always considers first our team. I can remember the fun and foremost what the effect on the that we had at practices and after kids is. As the coach, you have to games watching him pull off some understand why the All-State run- legendary dance moves such as the ning back is there. He’s not there to shopping cart and the sprinkler! He help you win a championship. He’s was somebody that we kids were there because he needs help. He’s drawn to, and he was able to bring there for the same reason the small- us together for one purpose even est kid on the team is there — for though we all came from many dif- you to help! The question must al- ferent schools and had been rivals ways be, What can I do for this kid only a few months prior.” — not what can he do for me!” “Many years later, as I began my “Football is a sport with a lot of own coaching career, I was able to macho, but we can still take care of reconnect with Coach Sid on a pro- the little guy. I’d be looking for the fessional level. I saw from afar the coach who can develop the whole success he had at multiple schools. person, the total young man or wom- Then we had the chance to work to- an, whether he’s the star or not.” gether at Central in 2009. Talking On Playing Every Kid with friends in the coaching profes- Coach Sid has a policy on play- sion who had coached with Sid, I ing time. “My goal is for every kid had heard all of the high praise they on the JV team to get in the game if had for him and the working envi- it is at all possible. If they earned ronment that he created. Coaches a jersey, they’ve earned the right. are very opinionated as a whole, On the varsity, we can’t let every and it would be hard to please them LOUISIANA SPORTS LEGEND — Central High Head Football Coach Sid Edwards kid play in every game. However, all because of the variety of person- was named a Louisiana Sports Legend in ceremonies at LSU in 2012. He is shown here with when we’re way ahead or way be- alities that we all have. Amazingly, BIC president Earl Heard. Heisman winner Billy Cannon attended to honor Coach Sid. hind, we try to play as many kids as I never heard a single coach who possible. I’m always looking to be worked with the man who didn’t on teaching their players that their the secret to why such an extraordi- purpose on this earth is to help and nary number of Coach Sid’s former able to put a kid in the game. The rave about how much they enjoyed parents and the family are sitting their relationship with him and how serve others – but Sid is different! Assistant Coaches have risen to be- Most importantly, many coaches come Head Coaches themselves. there in the stands hoping for that he fully supported them to do their moment, and I’d like to give it to work. Combined with the on-field don’t always keep their love for He gives them autonomy. He their players in higher esteem than trusts them as Offensive Coordina- them. When substituting freely, we success, I was drawn to discover try to get seniors in the game when the ‘secret sauce’ of the man and the the many victories they have shared tor, Defensive Coordinator, Special on the field together – but Sid is Teams Coordinator, or Director possible even if they are not the way he ran a football program.” next best in that position.” “At that time in my life, I would most certainly different!” of Football Operations. Then he consider myself too consumed with “Different, special, successful, leaves them alone. He doesn’t mi- Coach Sid’s Mentors x’s and o’s and the variety of ideas and truly a man for others! That de- cromanage them. He expects and Coach Sid Edwards of Central going around the football world. scribes this unconventional coach gets results, and these young men High has mentored countless young After a brief and unsuccessful stint whom I have learned so much from!” grow, take responsibility, gain ex- men and women in his coaching as a head coach, I came to Central Dutchtown’s Guy Mistretta perience in the heat of battle, ma- career, but he is quick to point out eager to see what a championship Dutchtown High Head Football ture, and blossom into leaders. that he too has been mentored — by program looked like. To this day, Coach Guy Mistretta had this to say It’s All About Character great coaches! I consider my year at Central to be about Coach Sid: Coach Sid talks about all the He had many mentors but he one of the most influential in my “Sid has obviously been an out- constituencies a head football wanted to focus on the staff at his coaching career.” standing mentor to all of the coach- coach has to consider — taxpayers, first coaching job in 1987 when he “I was reminded daily through es who have had the opportunity to the general public, parents, teach- was freshman football and basket- observing Sid how you could im- work with him. His ability to create ers, administrators, fellow coaches, ball coach at Catholic High School. pact kids by getting to know them a family atmosphere within the pro- the media, and others. However, he He lists four individuals on that and letting them know that you gram helps not only with the growth said the primary group that needs staff who made all the difference to cared about them. For me person- and success of the players, but also to be considered is the kids them- him and his coaching career: ally, I think I had been too wrapped his assistants.” selves. That’s why we have high • Catholic High Head Basket- up in being ‘in charge’ and forget- “One trait that truly serves him school sports. ball Coach Glen Randow who ting to enjoy the personalities that well in helping in the development Coach Sid says it’s really all hired Sid Edwards to coach fresh- we get to coach. It was like push- of his coaches is his willingness to about building character. We use man basketball in 1987. Coach Sid ing reset on my coaching career and allow those coaches the freedom to football, basketball, baseball, and said, “Coach Randow has been a being revitalized by remembering do their jobs without micromanag- all the rest to build character. If we huge influence on my life. He al- what’s most important in coaching ing, and the patience to give them forget that, we’ve really lost our ways stressed character first. He is – the relationships!” room to grow. At the same time, he way, he says. a classy leader. He pays attention to “Even as I write this now, I’m re- has a knack for identifying the in- What Makes a Great Coach? detail. The way he treated people. minded of how I stray from this too dividual strengths and weaknesses We asked Coach Sid what traits He wanted you to look the part, be far at times and I look back on what of his coaches and helping them to he would look for in a Head Football a good citizen, and live up to high I consider one of the best versions improve in the areas needed.” Coach. The question was, “If a com- expectations.” of myself as a coach because I was Catholic’s David Simoneaux munity needed a new head coach • Catholic High Head Football able to be in that environment and David Simoneaux, new Head and they asked you to choose him, Coach Dale Weiner whom Coach learn from Sid.” Football Coach at Catholic High, what traits would you look for?” Sid calls “one of the great coaches “Many times as a head coach I said he will forever be grateful to Coach Sid answered this way: of our era.” “Two things in par- have had difficult scenarios come Coach Sid for opening the door to “Every school and every com- ticular about Dale Weiner. First, up, and he’s the first person I think success. He said, munity is different. Each has its he made football fun. Second, he to call to run an idea or potential “I had a great mentor at Parkview own culture, and that has to be thought outside the box. He was course of action by. He always pro- in Head Football Coach Kenny considered. But if I were just me really a student of the game. He vides great perspective on things Guillot. He was my coach, and we choosing the perfect coach, I would played an exciting brand of football. and is an invaluable resource to are very close. I just went to see look for several things.” No question he could have coached me as a mentor. Not only have kids him Sunday.” “He would need a magnetic per- at a higher level, but he loved the from Central benefitted because of “At Central, Coach Sid allowed sonality. That’s important because kids too much to move on.” his approach, but countless other me to grow to another level. Based he has to be able to attract other • Joe LeBlanc, offensive line kids because of those of us who on the experience I had gained un- people to his cause. He has to re- coach at Catholic High, whom were influenced by him.” der Coach Guillot, Coach Sid gave cruit the student body to go out for Coach Sid knew as a colleague. “He “In my opinion, Sid’s greatest at- me the reins to the program. He the team, draw in the best coaches, was the smartest football coach in tribute is that he is usually able to made me Director of Football Op- and sell his program to the commu- terms of knowledge of the game. He maximize the potential of a player erations. He let me lead and have nity, the student body, and all the and I would go scout opponents. I’d and a team. That is our goal as a autonomy.” other constituencies.” bring notebooks, grids and graphs. coach – to get others to be the best “The three years at Central “He has to have character. Re- He would bring nothing. By the 2nd versions of themselves and to be meant everything. Since then, I’ve ally, that’s the most important thing. Quarter, he would be calling the better as a group than they would had five wonderful years at Catho- Without character, you have noth- next play before it was run. Most of be as individuals.’ lic of Pointe Coupee. However, to ing. Without character, you can’t all, he loved the kids.” “To say that Sid is a conventional jump from 1A to a powerful 5A be a role model for the kids. That’s • Gerry Garidel, defensive co- coach or does things the way many school like Catholic would not have why the coach can’t have angles or ordinator at Catholic High, a per- of us do things would be a lie. Many happened on its own. It was the op- a secret agenda.” fectionist who did things right. don’t allow their assistants to take portunity Coach Sid entrusted to me “The head coach has to realize Coach Sid said, “He and I had 75 ownership over their units or be that gave me a leg up in securing it’s not about him. He has to check kids on the freshman roster. He was celebrated for team successes – but this position.” his ego at the door. It’s not his vic- the most organized person I’ve ever Sid is different! Many don’t focus So there you have the secret — tory. It belongs to the kids and the See TREAT on Page 16 16 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021

TreatContinued from Page Your 15 Opponent with Dignity chance to coach freshman football. you think. met. Everyone knew to do every- Coach Weiner said this: Last year, the year of Covid, it thing right. The locker room was so “Sid Edwards is one of the more was difficult to schedule games and clean you could eat off the floor!” unique coaches I know. Sid has a teams were always cancelling. Cen- Another key mentor is: great sense of humor, but has al- tral ended up playing Belaire twice. • Milton Broussard, whom ways managed to produce hard- It was a total mismatch. As hard as Coach Sid knew growing up on nosed, competitive teams. He does Central tried not to score, their lead Beech Street in North Baton Rouge. not hesitate to take risks and think kept climbing. Coach Sid said, “He is someone outside of the box! I know this, he In the 4th Quarter, Central was who should be in a Hall of Fame, relates very well to teenage athletes leading 50-0, but Belaire was on for sure. He taught me that players — a must for any successful high their 38 and was showing some fire. can’t perform if they are afraid of school coach! Sid also is compas- They were trying hard to get a drive you. He was defensive coordinator sionate and looks to help out kids going and score, but their drive fiz- at Baker and then joined me at Re- who need guidance or a helping zled on 4th down. demptorist. He was the elder states- hand. He goes out of his way to Coach Sid stormed onto the field man, and I leaned on him heavily. support the players he has coached, waving his arms at the ref. Pulling He brought toughness to the kids and it shows in the admiration he close to the ref, he whispered, “Call and an edge.” receives from his athletes.” a flag on me!” The ref didn’t want Comments of Glen Randow “From the time I first met Sid to do it, but Coach Sid continued to Edwards in 1987, I have had great wave his arms and raise hell. Final- Long-time Catholic High Head respect for him! Sid did a terrific ly, the ref called pass interference Basketball Coach Glen Randow job as my Head Freshman Football against Central. Since it was a run- had this to say about Coach Sid: Coach at Catholic High for several ning play, the Central coaches went “It was about 1987. Sometimes years. Since then, he has coached wild in protest, but Belaire got the people walk into your life at just State Championship teams in Foot- first down and eventually scored! the right time and really make a ball and Basketball! He has molded Belaire was supposed to kick off difference. Sid Edwards was from losing teams into elite teams! All to Central but Coach Sid marched Redemptorist. We were Catholic the while, he has been a devoted onto the field again and exercised High. The Redemptorist-Catholic family man.” “Sid is also a power- a little known rule. He declined to rivalry was a story that never ends.” ful motivator and is capable of ral- receive. So Central kicked off to “Over at Our Lady of Mercy, I FIRST JOB - Catholic High football coach noticed this young coach who was Dale Weiner gave Coach Sid his first coach- lying the community around him. Belaire and they scored again. ing job as Freshman Coach at Catholic. He is a skilled promoter for his pro- “There’s a bigger picture,” coaching both football and basket- gram. Sid is one of the best coaches Coach Sid said. “When I was at Re- ball. The kids were playing so hard. something to eat. He’d give them He had charisma. He was so genu- I know — and a Friend!” demptorist, our priest was Father anything he had.” Opponents He Admired Joe Steffes. In one game, we were ine. There was a uniqueness about “Sid was like the Pied Piper. him. He was kind to everyone, Coach Sid has hundreds of leading our opponent 77-0 at half They would follow him anywhere friends in coaching but two of those time. It was not intentional. Father never said a bad thing about a kid. and do what he said, because they The kids enjoyed playing for him, he admires the most are: Steffes came to the field house but knew he loved them.” • Coach Kenny Guillot, former didn’t say anything. He just looked and they were winning.” “As he moved into a leadership “He really caught my attention Head Football Coach at Parkview. at me. We only scored once in the role, you could see he had the same Coach Sid said, “We looked for- second half.” and I thought to myself that our kids effect on the other coaches. He del- could really use him. So we had ward every year to Week 10 and “On Monday, the priest, who was egated work to them and let them Parkview. Kenny is a very special 95 years old, came to my office. He him coach the freshmen at Catholic do their jobs. It was a great work- High. Then he and I started an AAU man who means so much to me.” sat down and looked at me. He said, ing environment. He could attract • Coach Louis Cook, current ‘Wouldn’t it be better if both teams team, the Louisiana Dream Team. great people and bring the best out We had the best time together.” Head Football Coach at Notre won? You can, if you make sure of them. As other coaches duplicat- Dame of Crowley. Coach Sid said your opponent is able to keep his “Sid talked to the kids and shared ed him, they rose to the next level. everything with them. He always he loved bringing his staff to Notre dignity and leave the field with a I marveled and still do at what Sid Dame to learn from this Hall of great experience!’” had hamburger and hotdog cou- can do for other people!” pons. He had to take a lot of kids Fame coach and his great program. “That’s when Father Steffes said, home, and they would all pile in Comments of Dale Weiner Winning Is Everything! ‘When you get to the pearly gates, his car. Not one or two but a car Dale Weiner, Catholic High For someone who down plays Jesus won’t count your wins and full. They would go to Burger King, Head Football Coach for nearly 30 won-lost records and says Jesus losses. There will be other things he and he’ll pull out these hamburger years, was just beginning his long won’t check your won-loss record, considers.’” and hotdog coupons and get them tenure when Sid Edwards arrived Coach Sid says winning is every- Yes, winning is everything, but at Catholic. He gave Coach Sid the thing — but perhaps not the way perhaps not the way we imagine! Ex-Wildcat to Lead Catholic High Bears Simoneaux said he choose to David Simoneaux move to Catholic High in Baton Rouge because of the mission of Excelled at CHS, the school. “Catholic High empha- sizes faith and Christ as the center Led Catholic-PC of life. It aligns with my values, and the school aims to be great at everything. It’s an opportunity To State Finals to rub elbows with top notch col- BATON ROUGE — Former Central leagues and be part of a tremen- High assistant football coach Da- dous program.” vid Simoneaux has been appointed Catholic has won three state ti- Head Football Coach at Catholic tles and two runners up in the past High School in Baton Rouge, one five years. “It’s definitely not a re- of the state’s top high school pro- building situation. We will honor grams. the past and keep moving!” he Simoneaux helped lead Park- said. view Baptist to a State Champion- Simoneaux said leaving Cath- ship as a player and stayed at his olic-Pointe Coupee will be tough. alma mater as an assistant coach He said, “We love the community. under Head Coach Kenny Guillot. It is top notch and the future looks He then coached at Central High bright. My assistant and right hand as Director of Football Operations man Danny Bolero will be AD and for three years under Central Head Head Football Coach. He is a first Football Coach Sid Edwards. class guy and will do well!” Those three years as a Wildcat Simoneaux is not Catholic but proved formative because he had neither was Dale Weiner, a Pres- charge of the entire program. byterian who was head coach for Then it was on to be Head nearly 30 years. “Our values align Football Coach at Catholic High and that’s what’s important,” Sim- of Pointe Coupee in New Roads, oneaux said. “I’m excited! Kids which Simoneaux took from 6-5 to CENTRAL HIGH PEP RALLY — Central High Head Football Coach Sid Edwards are kids, but we’ll have a chance to the State 1A Championship game. with his then assistant coach David Simoneaux, who is now head coach at Catholic High. reach a lot more of them.” March 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 17 Central Wins Bi-District over Barb

An easy two points for #24 Rylen Walker (left). #23 Malik Hillard scores for the Wildcats (center). Ethaniel Rizan at the free throw line with a point for Central (right)

The Wildcats on fire against Barbe, Hillard scores again (left). Ethaniel Rizan with a nice dunk that excited the fans (center). Rylen Walker goes around Buccaneer #4 (right).

Wildcats on defense in round one of the playoffs (left). #20 Gage Evans waiting for a free throw (center). Wildcat student section cheering on the basketball team. (right).

Wildcats gave playing time to underclassman (left). #21 Dylan Butler (left/center). #2 Tommy Zheng (right/center). Wildcat coaching staff (right).

Central vs Central vs Central vs Central High Basketball Walker St. Helena Barbe Video by Ken Bush, Central City News Feb. 12 Feb. 20 Feb. 26 Photos by Jolice Provost 18 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021

First Official Game Between Two Central Teams Central High Tops Central Private 5-1

Central Wildcat’s true freshman Grayden Harris pitched 5-2/3 innings against Central Private, allowing no runs. Central Private had #9 Trip Flotte on the mound for 5 innings, giv- ing up only one run to the Wildcats. The first five innings were definitely a pitcher’s duel. The final score was 5-1 Wildcats.

#10 Adam Steudlein at bat (left). #8 Jude Gremillion of Central and Central Private’s second baseman #2 Ty Shaffer (center). #15 Taylor Walters at bad (right).

#8 Jude Gremillion takes the mound to close the game for the Central Wildcats (left). #4 Ben Kolb on deck for the Redhawks (center). Central Private pitcher #9 Trip Flotte (right).

Wildcats at bat (left). Central Private dugout in the 6th inning (center). Wildcat second baseman #15 Taylor Walters and #2 Ty Shaffer for the Redhawks (right).

#10 Adam Steudlein (left). Coach Seth Stevens counsels with his players (left/center). Central Wildcats before the game (right/center) #8 Jude Gremillion (right). March 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 19 Victory Academy Warriors Basketball

VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 4th and 5th grade girls won the ISAA Basketball Elementary Division Championship - Kennedy Jones, Hayden Scallan, Hayden Comeaux, Ava Scroggins, Berkli Bencaz, Gracie Harrouch, Josslyn Engels, Brenlyn McDaniel, Averie Riley, Khloe Hopkins, Chloe Rushing, Mattie Harding, and Addie Reynerson. Coaches Josh Harrouch and Jared Bencaz. The Warrior team won 10-3 against Hosanna Christian Academy.

VICTORY’S 6th, 7th, and 8th GRADE GIRLS were ISAA Basketball Division “B” 2nd Place Winners. Team members are Elisha Hodges, Emma Mancuso, Paulina Nguyen, Miriam Reynerson, Abbie Cornelius, Hannah Dunn, Gracie Clements, Maddie Taylor, Gracie Doughty, and Kiaya Wright. Coaches Inga Harrouch and Layni Reynerson. This War- rior team played Copper Mill. Final score 8-14.

VICTORY’S 8TH GRADE NIGHT — The 8th grade girls, Elisha Hodges, Kiaya Wright, Hannah Dunn, and Miriam Reynerson (center).

FIRING A JUMP SHOT — 8th Grade Night, Darld Mims, Noah Borill, Carter Fancher, Davin Bergan, Cade Tate, Hunter Kieren, Sully Hall, and Hudson Rodrigue (center). FAIR WEATHER BEES WE BUILD SUPER AND HIVE BEE BOXES MADE OF CYPRESS We Sell Bee Supplies Owned by Two Vietnam Vets We Sell Honey and Flavored Honey Two Vietnam Vets We Ship Honey and Candles 12922 Denham Road • Central, LA 70818 225-261-7600 or 225-341-0569 20 CENTRAL CITY NEWS March 2021

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