Baldwin County is welcoming a new high school football program led by Alabama High School Hall of Fame coach Phil Lazenby. Bayshore Christian’s athletic director, Jeff Hauge, announced Lazenby’s hiring on Thursday. Bayshore Christian School Football.
Hauge has admired Lazenby for 15-16 years and called the hiring a “dream” for the school. Lazenby’s official start date is June 1, and he will serve as the Director of Football Operations. The initial focus will be on teaching the game in 2023, with plans to field a junior varsity team by fall 2024.
Despite being a young AHSAA school, Bayshore’s Eagles have already achieved athletic success, including back-to-back Class 1A state baseball and cross country titles, and a state volleyball title.
“We believe with coach Lazenby coming on board this is the perfect time,” Hauge said.
Lazenby, a 48-year coaching veteran, was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. His coaching career includes a 200-108 record, 115-72 during his 16 years at Bayside Academy. Lazenby left Bayside in December but knew he wasn’t done coaching.
“I’m proud to be here. I can’t think of any other place I would rather be,” Lazenby said.
In addition to coaching, Lazenby will also teach several classes at the school. Over the summer, assistant coaches will be hired, and equipment will be gathered. Details on practice and playing locations are still being worked out.
Bayshore is currently constructing a new upper school campus scheduled to open in fall 2024. Hauge credits the school’s successful baseball and wrestling programs with helping to bring football to Bayshore Bayshore Christian School. He and Lazenby plan to meet with parents before the school year ends.
Lazenby and Hauge: Building Bayshore Christian’s School Football Program
Lazenby is enthusiastic about teaching the students the basics of football, emphasizing his unwavering love for the game.
“I think of the thousands of kids I’ve been blessed to coach in a lot of different sports. It’s such a blessing,” Lazenby said.”
As the new football program at Bayshore Christian School gains momentum, Lazenby and Hauge will be focusing on creating a strong foundation for the team. They plan to conduct strength and conditioning sessions, as well as educating the players on football fundamentals.
“We will have a football period that will include strength and conditioning, and there will be days where it is like, ‘OK, today we are going to learn how to put on our shoulder pads,'” Lazenby said. “That’s just part of it, and I’m excited about all of it.”
For Lazenby, the coaching journey is more than just teaching football skills; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of the students he coaches.
“I love the chess match with the opponents, the interaction with the kids. I think Billy Graham once said that coaches have more impact in one year on students than most pastors have in a lifetime,” Lazenby added.
With the collaboration of the experienced Hall of Fame coach Phil Lazenby and Bayshore Christian’s dedicated athletic director Jeff Hauge. They hope future of Bayshore’s football program looks promising. Their combined passion for the sport and commitment to the students’ development will undoubtedly contribute to the program’s long-term success.
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