Trosclair wins Spirit award

By Tom Dodge
tom.dodge@eunicetoday.com

He was there when his team needed him.
They will be there when he gets back to the sidelines.
That is the driving force behind Eunice High athletic director and head football coach Paul Trosclair being awarded the High School Spirit of Sport Award by the LHSAA.
The National High School Spirit of Sport Award is given to eight section winners and one national winner who “exemplify the ideals of the positive spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics.”
According to Eunice High prinicipal Mitchell Fontenot, Trosclair easily fills that requirement.
Fontenot wrote in the nomination letter:
“In July 2014, right before the football season, Coach Trosclair was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called multiple myeloma.
“This was a shock to many in the community as he exuded health and vitality.
“During the ensuing months, he endured rounds of chemotheraphy twice a week before heading to M.D. Anderson to begin the long process of stem cell transplantation.
“Given this diagnosis and subsequent medical treatment, one would expect him to take time off from his duties. However, this was not the case.
“As he always does, Paul continued to work hard, scheduling treatment appointments so they wouldn’t affect his responsibilities as both coach and AD.
“He never let this illness have an impact on his job, the players or the football season.”
“Coach is deserving of this award because he truly embodies the spirit of sport: teamwork, dedication and perserverance in the face of adversity.
“He should be honored, admired and respected for his display of desire and determination to keep moving forward in spite of personal difficulties.”
Trosclair has been the head football coach and athletic director at Eunice High for 21 years and has led the Bobcats to 10 district championships and numerous playoff appearances.
In 1997 and 1998, he was named Class 4-A state coach of the year for back-to-back state title games.
He moved into the top of state football coaches as he earned his 200th career victory in the season opener against Northwest.
“He is doing better,” Fontenot said of Trosclair. “Hopefully he can come home soon.
Trosclair will be honored Friday at the LHSAA convention in Baton Rouge.