For immediate release:
CONTACT: Roberta Argott
(562) 698-6246, ext. 724
Santa Fe Springs, CA, January 10, 2012– Adding to the excitement and energy of a new year and semester at St. Paul High is news of the most recent addition to the Swordsman family. The St. Paul athletic department is proud to announce the selection of our new Varsity Head Football Coach, Elijah Asante. Coach Asante will assume the post left vacant by coaching legend Marijon Ancich, who retired at the end of the 2011 football season.
Coach Asante comes to the Swordsman football program with one of the best resumes in Southern California. Earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University, he went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate in 1990 from the University of Southern California. Asante is an accomplished coach with twenty years of experience at both the semi-professional and high school levels, including seven as a head coach in the Los Angeles City Section where he compiled a 33-7 record with 4 league championships. Coach Asante has assisted student athletes in securing scholarships to programs such as Princeton, University of Southern California, University of California Los Angeles, Nebraska, Florida State and the University of Miami. In addition, he was recently selected to coach in the 2012 Army All-American game in San Antonio, Texas.
“St. Paul High School has a very distinguished football history, and I am confident that Coach Asante understands both our culture and our athletes” said Assistant Principal Robert Miller. “Elijah knows what it takes to be successful in football while adhering to St. Paul’s mission and values.”
Asante’s selection is the result of a nationwide search that generated more than 60 applications. “Even in a very strong applicant pool, Coach Asante stood out,” commented Miller. “He’s got some big shoes to fill, but we are confident that with the support of the administration, student body, and our huge alumni following, Coach Asante will be proud to be a part of the St. Paul community.”
Coach Asante began his journey as a Swordsman earlier this week, meeting the team for a conditioning workout. He reports, “I am very excited to be at a school so rich in tradition because I know they have high expectations for me. I have even higher expectations for my players and their performances on and off the field.” St. Paul High School would like to extend a warm welcome to Coach Elijah Asante as he joins the Swordsman family.
##
St. Paul High School
9635 Greenleaf Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, California 90670
(562) 698-6246