YOUNGSVILLE – Ascension Episcopal will be ushering in a new era of Blue Gators basketball when they take the floor next season.
The Blue Gators have hired two new head basketball coaches in John Tanner, who will lead the boys program and Zach Frederick, who will take over the girls.
“I’m very excited to be the new head coach,” Frederick said. “I’m excited to have the chance to take on a leadership role.”
Frederick is very familiar with the Blue Gators having played for and coached under former Ascension Episcopal boys basketball coach Eric Mouton. Frederick played for Mouton from 2011-15 and served as an assistant for both programs last year.
“I grew up coming here and playing here,” said Frederick, who prior to last year was an assistant coach at ESA for six seasons. “I’ve always wanted to be a head coach and I was open to either position.”
In Tanner, the Blue Gators are getting a coach with a lot of experience. This will be Tanner’s fourth head coach opportunity having previously served in that role at Acadiana High, Oak Hill, Menard and Sacred Heart of Ville Platte.
“They have some really good kids over there and I’m really looking forward to working with them,” Tanner said. “I think it is a good fit for both sides.”
Tanner said one of the biggest reasons he wanted the Blue Gators’ job was because “there is already a solid foundation.”
“We played against them a couple of times and I saw them a few times on film, and they impressed me,” Tanner said. “They were very well-coached, and I look forward to building off of that.”
After 18 seasons, Mouton and the Blue Gators agreed to part ways. Despite the amount of success Mouton enjoyed with the Blue Gators, Tanner doesn’t feel pressure being his successor.
“I wouldn’t say pressure, but maybe a responsibility to do a good job with (the program),” Tanner said. “A responsibility to continue working hard, developing the kids on and off the court. But not necessarily pressure. I think it is going to be a good fit and we’ll do well.”
The 28-year-old Frederick believes his familiarity with the Blue Gators’ players will help in the transition.
“I have a good relationship with the girls already,” Frederick said. “I’m glad we have someone that is taking over the program that knows them. They have so much potential.”
Frederick described himself as an energetic person that is “a calming presence” on the sidelines.
“People can definitely expect a lot of energy from me,” Frederick said. “I have a positive attitude and I’m defensive minded. We’re going to be aggressive on defense and try to turn people over.”
Tanner said Blue Gator fans can expect to see “a good product” on the floor.
“You’ll see kids that carry themselves very well,” Tanner said. “We’ll be a disciplined team who defends well and plays very unselfish and together.