Festus Names New Head Football Coach
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Coach A.J. OfodileIn a special meeting this week, the Festus R-VI School Board of Education unanimously approved A.J. Ofodile, Jr. as the ninth Head Football Coach at Festus High School. Ofodile spent the last four seasons on Coach Barry Odom’s football staff at the University of Missouri. Prior to that, he spent 15 years at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri, with 13 of those years as head football coach. “I’m very excited to be joining the Festus family,” Ofodile said. “During the entire time of the interview process I was blown away by the excellence displayed by the District, from top to bottom. It is rare to find that kind of commitment.”
Ofodile spent six seasons in the NFL, initially drafted by the Buffalo Bills, and his final three with the Baltimore Ravens. After his playing career concluded, he coached on Barry Odom’s staff at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia. He became head coach after Odom departed for the college ranks. During his 13 seasons as head coach at Rock Bridge, Ofodile was named District Coach of the Year three times (2006; 2010; 2013), his teams won four District championships, and in 2013 Rock Bridge advanced to the Class 6 Show-Me Bowl State Championship Game. During his tenure at Rock Bridge, he coached more than 45 D-1 signees.
“We are pleased to welcome Coach Ofodile to Festus,” said Superintendent Dr. Link Luttrell. “Being able to attract the attention of a high caliber coach such as Coach Ofodile is an indication of how outside individuals view not only our football program but also our outstanding excellence displayed across the K-12 spectrum. I’m hoping all of our students, parents, and patrons will welcome him and his wife into our school community”
In addition to his head coaching duties, Coach Ofodile will teach strength and conditioning classes at the high school along with coordinating the strength and conditioning program so it meets the needs of all students. Athletic Director Eric Allen is excited to welcome Coach Ofodile to Festus, “To get such a quality coach with his drive to make young men better and his vast knowledge of the game is a win for our student-athletes. He will be an asset to the Festus School District.”
A formal introduction to student athletes and parents will be scheduled in the very near future.