Hahnville head football coach resigns

Won most games in school history, state championship in 2003

Hahnville head football coach Lou Valdin has resigned after 15 years with the program.

Valdin, 56, cited health reasons in his decision, especially an upcoming knee replacement surgery.

“I don’t want to cheat kids so I am not going to do something I can’t do 100 percent. In order for me to get to where I can be 100 percent,  I’ve got to have this surgery and I’ve got to rehab and that could take all season,” he said.

When asked if he may return to coaching at a later date, Valdin remained uncertain.

“I don’t know,” he said.

Valdin said he has been putting off surgery for some time and that his condition has worsened in recent years.

“Football at Hahnville is a fulltime job and I’ve got to step away. I don’t think I can do justice to the job and justice to the players and rehab. I’ve been putting this off and putting this off,” he said.

Although he will no longer be part of the football program, Valdin intends to remain at Hahnville as a teacher for at least four more years until he is eligible for full retirement.

Valdin took over the program in 1999 and led his team to a school-best 132-48 record. Valdin guided the Tigers to the playoffs for 14-straight years, won seven district championships and a state championship in 2003.

During Valdin’s tenure, over 100 student athletes have received college scholarships and 99 percent of his players graduated with a high school diploma.

“I’d like to thank all of the players. I had a good job because they volunteered to play football,” Valdin said. “I’d really like to thank all of my assistant coaches and I would hope that wins and losses and championships…all that’s nice…but I would just hope down the road that the kids that were in the program are proud to say I was their coach.”

In a resignation letter to Hahnville High School principal Ken Oertling, Valdin said he felt he had served the school well.

“I am proud that I have run a scandal free program and have used the several honors I have received to represent Hahnville High School and the St. Charles community with class,” he said.