Prairieville High names Michael Schmitt as first athletic director, head football coach

PRAIRIEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL SCHMITT AS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR/HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

Prairieville, LA – Prairieville High School is thrilled to announce the appointment of Coach Michael Schmitt as the school’s first Athletic Director and Head Football Coach.

“Coach Schmitt brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, making him an excellent choice to build the Hurricanes athletic program,” said Prairieville High Principal Randy Loving. “His leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the school’s athletic programs and fostering a positive school culture and history.”

Schmitt, a Baton Rouge native and graduate of both Catholic High School and Northwestern State University, has an extensive coaching background with 27 years of experience and an overall football record of 81-77. He served as the head football coach at Eaglecrest in Aurora, CO, from 2009 to 2012 and returned to the position in 2022. In between, he held the head coaching position at Cowanesque Valley in Pennsylvania and served as a teacher at Boces Stem Academy in New York.

Notably, Schmitt faced the challenges of Hurricane Katrina while serving as the head coach at Buras High in 2005. In the aftermath, he and his family relocated to Ascension Parish, where he continued his coaching career as an assistant coach for a year at East Ascension High School. He then served as the head coach at Live Oak High School for two seasons before moving to Colorado. He expressed his deep connection to Ascension Parish, stating, “A hurricane has led me and my family to Ascension Parish for a second time.”

Schmitt earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health and a master’s degree in Sports Administration from Northwestern State University. He is also an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

He has been recognized extensively including earning the 2021 District 4 Small Schools Coach of the Year (Colorado), the 2016 and 2016 Colorado Preps 5A Coach of the Year, the 2016 Denver Post All-Coloratdo Coach of the Year, the Denver Broncos Coach of the Week in 2016, and the NFL Coach of the Week in 2016.

Coach Schmitt is eager to tackle the challenges of starting a program at the new school, stating, “I am looking forward to instilling a culture of winning through hard work, integrity, character, toughness, and love for community and school.” His commitment to these values aligns perfectly with Prairieville High School’s vision for excellence both on and off the field.

Schmitt will officially begin his new position on Jan. 8, 2024. Prairieville High School, which is currently under construction, will open in Fall 2024.

“We are looking forward to the positive impact Coach Michael Schmitt will undoubtedly have on our athletic programs and the overall growth of our school. Please join us in welcoming Coach Schmitt to Prairieville High School, said Principal Loving.

For more information about Prairieville High School, visit AscensionSchools.org.