Ahead of the Buccaneers' matchup with the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the winner of Week Five's Coach of the Week, presented by Tampa Electric, is Jeremy Frioud, head coach at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg. On Thursday, Frioud took a tour of AdventHealth Training Center as well as enjoyed lunch at the facility. As part of the award, his program was also presented with a $2,000 grant from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation for the Vikings football program.
What did it mean for you to be nominated and the win Coach of the Week?
"It is such an honor to be nominated for such an award. To know that someone has taken time out from their day to nominate me truly is awesome. The fact that others then took time out of their day to vote for me means the world. This job is tireless and completely selfless. To be recognized and honored for all the sacrifice truly is amazing."
How can the $2,000 grant from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation help your program?
"Our program is in need of everything from proper equipment to uniforms to food for the boys. Our program has zero alumni support, so we have to work very hard to fundraise. To be given a check with no obligations is a god send."
What's most important to you as a coach and mentor to young players?
"To lead by example and to hold the boys to highest possible standard is by far the most important part of my job. Today's high school football climate is loaded with coaches who put winning ahead of character. That is crippling kids. As a football coach it is my responsibility to be a second father to these boys."
Frioud and his players suffered the tragic loss of their teammate, senior Jacquez Welch, who suddenly collapsed during a game last month. Frioud has been there for his players and his staff in helping them cope with the tragedy.
If you know a coach that should be nominated, visit the Buccaneers website to nominate the next Buccaneers High School Coach of the Week, presented by Tampa Electric.
