News Summary

The West Ada school board has officially appointed Austyn Carta-Samuels as the new head football coach for Meridian High. This change comes after the retirement of John Zamberlin, who led the team for six seasons. Carta-Samuels brings a wealth of experience, having served as an assistant coach at the University of Missouri. His innovative coaching strategies and emphasis on building a strong team identity are set to uplift the football program as they prepare for a new season. The community’s support will be crucial in navigating this transition.

Exciting New Era for Meridian High Football!

Meridian, Idaho – There’s a buzz in the air as the West Ada school board has officially announced the hiring of Austyn Carta-Samuels as the new head football coach at Meridian High. This news comes on the heels of the retirement of former coach John Zamberlin, who led the program for six seasons, amassing a commendable 36-24 record. The announcement promises to usher in a new chapter filled with hope and enthusiasm for the football community.

High Hopes from Athletic Director

Meridian’s Athletic Director, Nichole Williamson, couldn’t be more thrilled about this appointment. She believes Carta-Samuels brings a huge spark to the program, which is precisely what the team needs after a challenging season that ended with a 3-6 record and a missed playoff opportunity. Williamson’s optimism reflects the excitement many are feeling—an eagerness to see how the new coaching strategies will uplift the program.

Austyn’s Impressive Background

The new head coach isn’t just any rookie. At 33 years old, Carta-Samuels has built an impressive resume over six seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Missouri. He notably advanced from graduate assistant to quarterback coach, playing a crucial role in the development of star quarterback Drew Lock, who made it to the NFL. His talents haven’t gone unnoticed; he was named one of the top 30 coaches under 30 in the nation twice, sharing this spotlight with rising coaching star Spencer Danielson.

Stepping Away from College Football

In a surprising move, Carta-Samuels left a promising college football career at just 28. His reason? Frustrations with the politicized nature of collegiate football, especially concerning the new rules about name, image, and likeness (NIL). He took this leap to start his own quarterback coaching business, aptly named “Locked In”, where he has been actively working with local quarterbacks to help them hone their skills. This hands-on experience with future talents allowed him to stay connected with the community, paving the way for his new role at Meridian High.

Challenges Ahead for the New Coach

Taking the reins from a coach who had not only a winning record but also led the team to multiple playoff appearances and even a state championship game is no small task. Carta-Samuels is aware of the competition, especially from nearby schools such as Rocky Mountain, Eagle, and Owyhee. These programs are known for their impressive facilities and strong athletic line-ups, which means he’ll need to carve out a unique identity for Meridian High football to attract and retain athletes.

Building a Strong Football Identity

As he steps into this head coaching position, Carta-Samuels aims to emphasize a blue-collar mentality among his players. He wants them to take pride in the long-standing traditions of Meridian High School football and begin to evoke a sense of community that resonates with past achievements. He believes there’s a great opportunity to highlight the program’s history while creating a team ethic rooted in discipline, effort, camaraderie, and, most importantly, a passion for the game.

Creating a Customized Strategy

Unlike many coaches who come in with a pre-designed system in mind, Carta-Samuels plans to create strategies tailored specifically to the strengths of his roster. This approach speaks volumes about his commitment to the players and his willingness to adapt and innovate. He envisions forging an identity that resonates with not just athletic prowess but a deep, caring relationship among teammates. It’s this blend of hard work and unity that he believes will set the foundation for a successful season ahead.

So, let’s all rally behind the Meridian High football team as they embark on this exciting journey with their new coach, Austyn Carta-Samuels. It’s time for a new era, and the community’s support will be key in shaping what’s to come!

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