Moving forward

Everyone goes through major changes in their life, especially with the profession they have chosen.
Most of the time those changes are by choice; whether the purpose is to advance oneself or to move on from a job that is not as fulfilling as it once was. Still, there are those times when those changes are not of your wishes, even if you are given no explanation.
Either way, with any change comes trepidation as to what the future may hold, particularly when you have been in a particular place for the last 15 years.
Such is the case for Robert oileau, the former athletic director and head track coach for Sacred Heart High School. Soileau was released from his position at the school in May of 2015; a position he held since 2000.
The news that Soileau would not be at his alma mater any more came as a shock not only to himself, but to the Trojan community and athletes that he interacted with on a daily basis.
“My initial reaction when I was told that I would no longer be at Sacred Heart anymore was one of emptiness,” said Soileau. “I knew the whole situation was not a good situation. For the five years that I was the athletic director, it wasn’t positive at all with the administration, but it was still very positive with the parents, the teacher, and the kids. That really left me with an empty feeling knowing I would not be a part of my alma mater.”
Soileau, a 1982 graduate of the school, and one of the best known track stars to come out of Evangeline Parish, knew that his ability to impact students and athletes from the community he called home would no longer be a daily part of his life.
However, Soileau is still able to have influence on all of those young adults that he was once mentor to on a day-to-day basis.
“I still communicate with those kids often,” stated Soileau. “I try to go to as many athletic events as possible and continue to encourage them to stay positive and to keep doing the right thing.”
That emptiness soon turned to anger for Soileau, principally because he was really given no reason for his dismissal.
“I stayed angry for a long time after, at the way it turned out,” said Soileau. “I was never given a formal reprimand or a poor evaluation the whole time I was there. When I was told that I was no longer a part of the faculty, I was very shocked. Usually, you are given some kind of advanced notice. I was never allowed to do my job. I was hired to do a job, but was not allowed to do my job. I felt I did my job well and got positive feedback from the booster club and the community.”
Even after Soileau was released from his duties, he still held on to the dream that he would be reinstated after the change in administration last summer; even to the point of coming back in a diminished role.
“I never, ever gave up hope that I would be back,” stated Soileau. “I believed that everything would get straightened out and everything would get corrected so that we can go forward in a positive direction. I just wanted what was best for the kids. The one thing I have always said is that it is about the kids. I would have come back no matter what they asked me to do.”
Soileau’s hope faded after he was not asked to return when the new administration took over. So, he did what he had to for his family, taking a job selling furniture for Bordelon’s Home Furnishings. Still Soileau’s desire to have an impact on the lives of teenagers continued to dwell deep inside of him.
That opportunity came in December of this past year, when St. Edmund’s offered him a chance to extend the career he truly loves.
“A friend of mine I had known for a long time told me that St. Ed’s was looking to hire a coach,” commented Soileau. “So, I applied and met with the principal and signed my contract on the day that they let out for the Christmas break.”
Soileau has found a new home at St. Ed’s and for him, the atmosphere there could not be better.
“It wasn’t a big transition,” said Soileau. “The two schools are like mirror images of each other. You have the same type of kids, an amazing teaching staff, friendly people that are always looking to help you out, just like at Sacred Heart. I knew the coaching staff very well, so that was a big plus. It was so easy to fit in. It’s a good atmosphere. Everything is inviting there. I knew right away that I was going to like it here.”
Soileau began his coaching career as a Blue Jay not in his familiar sport of track, but rather in baseball as an assistant. It took some adaptation, but the hardworking Soileau leaned on a veteran staff to get him through the season.
“I had played baseball in high school, but never coached it on the high school level,” said Soileau. “It was a great experience, especially getting the chance to coach with (head coach) Scott Richard. It really gave me a chance to get to know the kids on a more personal level.”
Next season, Soileau will be an assistant football coach and will be back in track and field as the head girl’s coach, along with helping the power lifting team.
The only negative drawback for Soileau being at St. Ed’s is that he will not get to see his son Tristan play sports in high school as often as he would like. Tristan, a sophomore at Sacred Heart, had the chance to go to St. Ed’s with his dad, but decided to stay on in Trojan land.
“It will be a strange feeling not to be around to see all of his games,” stated Soileau. “I was fortunate to see my daughter Anna-Marie play sports since elementary. But, I will have some opportunities to watch him when our schedules don’t conflict. We will be alright, I don’t think it will scar us.”
For now, Soileau is ready to soar like a Blue Jay and St. Ed’s is better off with him getting his wings.