Prairieville High School Athletic Director, Michael Schmitt, breaks down the ups and downs from the first two years of the new program.

Prairieville High School is Ascension Parish’s newest high school and athletic program. Per Crescent City Sports, Prairieville High School’s Athletic Director and Head Football Coach was announced on December 22, 2023. Per Crescent City Sports, Schmitt was eager to tackle the challenge of starting a program at a new school. Schmitt sat down to discuss the transitional process from the school’s debut season to its current status. Schmitt also talked about how the community has supported all the athletic programs despite the school being brand new.

A.D. Michael Schmitt took on the responsibility of overseeing an athletic program at a new high school back in 2023. Schmitt spoke about the difficulties of the program’s inaugural season and his learning on the job. “That transition’s pretty tough, you know, when you think about it, everything is brand new, and you don’t really have anything to lean back on, and you don’t have a lot of people to even lean on.” 

Schmitt pointed out the experience of taking on the role of an administrator rather than a coach. 

“The hardest thing was that we didn’t have anything. We didn’t have walls really…so ordering equipment, knowing everything that you had to do for every piece of every sport, bowling all the way to volleyball…really pushing the limits of my knowledge of all the sports.” 

Schmitt admitted it was a daunting task at first.

A.D. Schmitt discussed the impact South Louisiana has had on not just him but the school itself. 

“There was always something missing because South Louisiana is all about sports, right? They really do love it here…and so that desire to want to come back and be part of that was big for me and my family.”

 Schmitt talked about how the community has not only supported its athletes but also non-athletes as well. 

“So, I think what happens is when you’re able to have extracurricular, that also supports academics, and you truly push the student athlete and the school provides opportunities for student athletes, but then at the same time, the non-student athletes…we have is an opportunity for all our kids to jump in and be part of our blue and green colors and our whole atmosphere.” 

Schmitt believes they are a true example of community. He believes it creates the best possible environment for everyone. Schmitt believes no one is bigger than the next.

There have been some big moments for Prairieville High School’s football team, led by Schmitt. 

Per Schmitt, the Prairieville Hurricanes have a potential chance to make the playoffs. They have also beaten some notable programs within the state, including East Ascension, Parkview Baptist, and Live Oak. 

However, Schmitt discussed the hidden message of their athletics. “You don’t think about results; you think about the process, and so our process has always been to be the best version of ourselves.

Prairieville High School looks to continue the positive momentum in its athletics.