Special to The E-T
North Sunflower Academy is pleased to announce the hiring of Ricky Smither as the new varsity and junior high boys football coach for the 2020-2021 season.
Smither is no stranger to the coaching carousel.
The Thibodaux, LA native has over 20 years of coaching experience at the junior high, varsity, junior college and college levels.
He comes to North Sunflower with an undergraduate degree in Physical Education, Health and Driver's Education. He also has a Masters in Education.
"The hiring of Coach Smither was another great hire for our school," said Athletic Director Todd Kitchings. "Coach Smither has a wealth of knowledge that will benefit the rebuilding of our program. He has been around campus this year substitute teaching and assisting with our track program and the kids have a lot of respect for him."
While this will be Smither's first stint in private school as well as a first in coaching 8-man football, his extensive knowledge of the game is what North Sunflower knows will benefit and turn the program around.
"We are going to change the culture in the football program at North Sunflower Academy next year," Smither said. "We are going to put together a plan and watch it work successfully. We are going to expect to win every time we step on the field. We want to encourage every male student on campus to be a part of what is coming."
Smither said there is not much difference in 8-man versus 11-man football.
"I don't see a difference," he said. "You still have to tackle, block, and run/throw the ball. The only difference is there are fewer people on the field to stop and defend. In 8-man you lose two lineman and a running back. You still have to do all the tangibles of the 11-man game."
Smither has a plan of attack for the Rebels this spring and summer.
"We will have a window of about 8 days after spring break and baseball season that we can get about 10 practices in," he added. "I think this will be their first ever spring training at NSA. Then this summer we will have two-a-day practices and be doing some scrimmages with our wide receivers and our quarterbacks."
Smither watched the Rebels from the stands this season and got a good look at what he has to work with next year.
"In junior high we are going to get in the weight room and get stronger and faster," he said. "We are going to reload and reengage. We are losing a very strong freshman class that will be moving up to varsity and they are going to step right in and be a huge asset to the high school team. We are losing a very talented senior leadership team and we have to regroup and prepare for the team we will have next season."
Currently Smither has one assistant coach. Kitchings will serve as the defensive coordinator. The duo will have their hands full with many duties and responsibilities to lead the Rebels to a winning season, but Smither knows they can be successful.
Smither is married to Lynn Ouzts Smither and he has two daughters, Kaitlyn and Lindsey and a son, Russ.
Smither will take over the spot as Head Football Coach June 1.
"I know we have the right man for the job," Kitchings added. "He is just one of the guys who gets excited talking about football. I can't wait to step on the practice field with him this summer and get our program going in the right direction."
Headmaster Janet Ray said, "We are so excited to have Coach Smither join our NSA family on a permanent basis.
He has been on campus this year assisting any way he can and his true Rebel Pride has really shined.
As a headmaster, you know when you find someone like Coach Smither that excitement and tradition is going to be brought back to our program."
