Former Football: Former Teurlings, UL lineman Hebert what young students need

Bruce Brown • bbrown@theadvertiser.com • November 3, 2010

The challenges are many, but the rewards are worth it for former Teurlings Catholic and UL Ragin’ Cajun lineman Jed Hebert, who is the principal at Katharine Drexel Elementary in Broussard.

"It’s the little intangibles, (like) when you see the smiles on those faces, and they’re so happy to see you," Hebert said. "You can’t get that anywhere else. Sometimes you’re more than just a principal to them.

"I’m where I want and need to be for right now. People may scratch their head and say, ‘How did a football player end up there?’ But I enjoy it a lot. I’m happy to be here. Katharine Drexel is a great place, and Broussard is a great place.

"It does present challenges, and you work hard, but I’m content with it."

Hebert coached for three years at TCHS, then four years at Abbeville. Then, when son J.T. was a year old, Hebert’s wife Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer. So he moved to elementar y physical education in Lafayette Parish for six years, then administration.

Michelle weathered the storm, while J.T., who had open heart surgery at age 11, is now a sophomore slot receiver at Teurlings.

"He’s a good kid, smart," Hebert said. "He’s growing into it."

Hebert starred with twin brother Jay on the 1982 TCHS team that shut out every regular season opponent and one playoff foe before losing to John Curtis. The two then signed with UL, Jed heading for noseguard and Jay to the offensive line.

Jay’s son Andrew is a redshirt freshman linebacker at UL, starting the last three games.

"It was a great experience for us, coming from a small school like Teurlings (Class 2A at the time)," Hebert said. "We were set back at first because we didn’t know where we would fit in with the size of the guys. I’ve seen Andrew do the same thing."

Sam Robertson coached the Hebert twins from 1983-85, while Nelson Stokley took over at UL in 1986.

"We had a talented team," Hebert said. "We struggled, but the struggle is what makes you stronger. Then when coach Stokley got there, it was a whole different experience. He and his young coaches brought excitement to practice, and we had players coming in like Brian Mitchell. That was our most exciting year of all."

Those 1986 Cajuns lost to Oklahoma State and Ole Miss by identical 21-20 scores, and this year’s Cajuns have also played OSU and are headed to Ole Miss this week.

Hebert has kept in touch with teammates and coaches of the 1982 TCHS team through the years.

"We get together, sporadically, in little sections," he said. "Even (coach) Bobby Green (now assistant principal at Acadiana High). I talk to him often about how administration is a different challenge. It’s good to have those guys, to talk about what you do in certain situations."

For now, the smiles on students’ faces and watching J.T. and Andrew play complete Hebert’s picture.

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