Summer 2019 North Raleigh/Leesville/Six Forks/Falls of Neuse

Page 44

919 | NORTH RALEIGH

With Ben Kolstad

Leesville Road High Head Football Coach

Ben Kolstad, new Leesville Road High Head Football Coach

As Head Football Coach at Cary High and Sanderson High, Ben Kolstad had phenomenal success. Now Kolstad moves to Leesville Road High in the same capacity, replacing Chad Smothers – who became Athletic Director at Green Hope High in Cary this year.

How and why did you get into high school sports? I grew up around it, and sports helped make me who I am today. Dad and Grandfather were football coaches.

Who were your biggest influences growing up? My coaches and my parents.

What are the biggest challenges in the new position? Being hired so late (June), (and facing) so many new things! (Perhaps the biggest challenge is) getting to really know the kids and develop that trust you get over the off-season and previous seasons.

How do you view your opportunity in the new position? At my previous schools I had to change the culture; they were not used to winning. Leesville expects to WIN – and it is set up to be successful. This challenge is more about taking Leesville to the next level and building on what Coach (Chad) Smothers and the previous staff had done.

What’s your advice for parents to ensure children succeed in school? First, support the program. Be there for your kids. And be a role model.

‘Leesville expects to WIN – and it is set up to be successful.’ BED KOLSTAD New LRHS Football Coach 44

BEN KOLSTAD PROFILE AGE: 41 HOMETOWN: Green Bay, WI RESIDENCE: Hillsborough, NC POSITION: Head Football Coach, Leesville Road High PREVIOUS: Head Coach, Cary High (9 yr), Head Coach, Sanderson High (6 yr) EDUCATION: Teaching Degree in Physical Education, UW-River Falls FAMILY: Wife, April; 2 sons: Cullen (9), Sutter (7) INTERESTS: Watching sons play hockey, going to Carolina Hurricanes games Summer 2019


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.