NEW ORLEANS (May 22, 2020) - John F. Kennedy High School (JFK), officially part of the KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) network on July 1st, proudly announces JFK alumnus Wilfred “Bird” Antoine as the new JFK Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach. Under the leadership of Principal Joseph Jones, Jr., Antoine will join the JFK team & family this upcoming summer.
“As a graduate of John F. Kennedy, and having an established record of coaching and developing athletes across New Orleans, Coach Antoine is the best person to advance our programs,” said JFK Principal Jones. “Athletics plays a major part in the culture and pride of a school, and I know that he will help cultivate school pride and provide strong leadership in our Athletics Department.”
Antoine began his career as an Assistant Basketball Coach at Oliver Perry Walker High School (Walker). As Assistant Head Basketball Coach at Walker, he helped guide the 2012 team to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Final 4 and the 2013 team to the LHSAA Quarterfinals. For the 2017 – 2018 season, Antoine became the Head Coach and led the team to the 8-5A District & State Runner-Up titles; he was later named District 8-5A Coach of the Year. He, then, led the 2019 and 2020 teams to the playoffs.
JFK Athletics Director and Basketball Coach Antoine said, “I am very excited to return to my alma mater! During my time as a student, I took great pride in being a Cougar and it has always been my dream to return home and give back to the community that gave so much to me. I look forward to working with all of the coaches and staff to lead our student-athletes to success!”
Antoine graduated from JFK in 2000 and received District & All-State Honors. He earned a basketball scholarship to Indiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management.
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About John F. Kennedy High School
John F. Kennedy High School will become a part of the KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) network on July 1, 2020. Since 2005, the mission of KNOS has been to build academically excellent schools and create unlimited opportunity for all students. As one of the highest performing open enrollment networks in New Orleans, KNOS operates 13 schools from PK to 12th grade and serves more than 5,000 students.