Get to know Alexandria Senior High head football coach, AD Thomas Bachman
ALEXANDRIA, La. — Friday nights at Butch Stoker Stadium isn’t just about football. They’re about the spirit groups, the band, the students, and the fans who all come together for a shared purpose.
After the first few plays, momentum starts to build. The energy of an explosive crowd, spirited cheerleaders, and successful plays creates a buzz that has become a signature experience for any Trojan fan.
This experience wouldn’t be as electric without Head Coach and Athletic Director, Thomas Bachman. Since coming to Alexandria Senior High School in 2015, the Trojans have risen to the top of the ranks in 5A football in Louisiana. 2020 marked a historic season, with the team making it to the LHSAA State Championship. Despite their nail-biting loss, the Trojans remain a force. This season presents a challenging schedule, where the team will test its skill and strength.
“When it comes to preparing for an opponent, Coach Bachman teaches us to focus on ourselves: our execution and precision. Put simply: It’s not what you do; it’s how you do it,” Defensive Coordinator Josh Mercer states.
Players engage in practices that are straightforward: they know what’s expected of them and they exert maximum effort.
“When a player graduates, I want them to feel like they were part of something greater than themselves. I hope-–regardless of when their sports career ends—their work ethic and resiliency drives them through life. If they maintain a healthy mindset that we’ve hoped to develop, players won’t be paralyzed by setbacks; they’ll continue to overcome obstacles and build a life that is fulfilling and rewarding,” Bachman states.
Bachman’s own legacy and love for the game is evidenced not only by his passion, but by the accolades he began earning back in high school. He was named the 2001 LHSAA Offensive MVP for 5A Football in Louisiana, while playing for Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, La. He went on to play for Texas Tech University, then transferred and graduated from Louisiana Christian University. In 2020, he was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year, the GeauxPreps Coach of the Year, and the All-Cenla Coach of the Year.
“I want players to remember what we’re about. Our motto is: Love each other. Be there for each other. Pray for each other. It’s important to focus on modeling the behavior we want to see in our players,” Bachman states.
The culture of ASH Football is rooted in the belief that the game teaches more than fundamentals and plays. Coach Thomas Bachman embodies that philosophy.
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