Lafayette Christian Academy, which just recently completed its probationary period for competition in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), have hired former UL Ragin’ Cajuns basketball star Byron Starks as its new head coach.

Starks, who has most recently served as the head coach of Northside Christian’s boys basketball team, is excited about the opportunity that awaits him with the Knights.

"I’m excited about this opportunity for several reasons," Starks said. "For one it puts me right back in the heart of the city where I started my career, but also I really like the vision of Lafayette Christian Academy and the challenge it presents. That’s not to say I wasn’t challenged at Northside Christian, but as a player, coach and a man you are always looking for a challenge."

LCA principal Dan Savoie stated he chose to hire Starks for the position, because he valued everything he stands for.

"Byron is great and experienced coach," Savoie said. "He is a proven commodity in the community. He does a lot of mentoring and he’s been a good friend of ours through competition over the years. He will bring excellence to the program and develop our boys not only as basketball players, but as young men. He really fits us well."

As a coach, Starks was named the Louisiana Christian Schools Athletic Association Coach of the Year three times (1997, 98, 2002), won two LCSAA Junior Varsity State Championships (1997 and 2000), finished varsity state runner-up in the LCSAA in 1997 and led Northside Christian to three district championships in 2006, 2008 an 2011 en route to being named Coach of the Year.

"I’m really looking forward to moving up a class," Starks said. "In a year, we (LCA) are expecting to be Class 1A, so that will be a great opportunity to get with a program on the rise."

Starks, who was inducted into the LHSAA Hall of Fame in 2003 and the UL Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, believes he has a lot to offer the Knights.

"I’m experienced as a player and as a coach," Starks said. "As a player I won two state championships and as a coach I’ve won a number of district titles. I believe we can win district championships and ultimately compete for state championships here at Lafayette Christian Academy."

In Starks, Savoie is confident the Knights have landed the perfect person for the job.

"We are thrilled to have coach Starks," Savoie said. "He is not only an awesome coach, but he is iconic to the area. His track record is phenomenal and on top of that he is a well-rounded person."

Athletic Network Footnote:

Session 1                         May 29 – June 1       Lafayette Christian Academy  
                                                                             223 Stone Ave.
                                                                             Lafayette, LA. 70507

Session 2                        June 18 – June 21    Northside Christian School
                                                                           809 E. Northern Ave.
                                                                           Crowley, LA. 70526

Click Here to get more Information & Register for our 2012 Basketball Schools