Nagata Jamboree to honor head coaches

The Joe Nagata Memorial Jamboree is entering its fourth season and chairman Tony Fuslier said it is improving each season.
“I think picking Joe as the centerpoint and namesake of the jamboree is still a great idea,” Fuselier said. “He coached at both Eunice High and St. Edmund and influenced a lot of people.”
The four-team format pits St. Edmund against Sacred Heart of Ville Platte, while Eunice High will face Notre Dame.
The jamboree is set for Aug. 26 at St. Edmund’s stadium.
“We are expecting a great crowd with these teams,” he said. “Sacred Heart and St. Ed’s are big rivals...Eunice High used to be in Notre Dame’s district and that is also a big rival.”
This year, the jamboree committee will recognize all head football coaches in EHS and St. Edmund history.
“We want all families of deceased coaches to come on their behalf,” Fuselier said. “We are hoping for as many coaches and/or their families to participate as possible.”
The jamboree has proven to be a great financial benefit to the programs involved.
“We are fortunate in Eunice to have the two high schools working so well together,” Fuselier said. “The idea of the jamboree was well received because it benefited both athletic programs.
“It has been a win-win situation for both St. Edmund and Eunice High as well as good for the visiting teams.
“The downturn in the economy is going to play a big part in not allowing us to make as much money as in the past,” he said. “I am looking for a 25- to 30-percent reduction in the money raised.”
Fuselier said he is hopeful some of the deficit could be erased by adding to the general membership.
“It is easier to give $100 than is $1,500 or $2,500,” he said. “So we are looking to add individuals to the list.”
Presently there are around 100 general members, he said.
Fuselier said they are also considering memorials to make respect to deceased coaches or players.
“For $250 they can have their names on seperate signs at both stadiums.”
Fuselier said other schools have approached them about joining the jamboree.
“We don’t want to spread it out over a two-night period,” he said. “But we are discussing any idea to improve the jamboree.
“But if we went to two nights, a junior varsity jamboree may be the right way to do it.”
The House United Booster Club meeting will be held Aug. 24 at the Northwest Community Center.