NEW ORLEANS, LA(WGNO)
Manny Barocco started his career in Jefferson Parish at Bonnabel high school in 1975.
40 years later, he retired officially June 30th.
Barocco said one of the big achievements in his 13 years as parish athletic director was the renovations of Joe Yenni and Hoss Memtsas stadiums.
Those renovations were spearheaded by former Ehret football coach and school board member Ray St Pierre.
The stadiums had new artificial turf in 2007. New locker rooms followed.
<Manny Barocco: “Facilities that developed, so many people contributed. I remember Ray St. Pierre, and I going to the Houston Independent school district to look at stadiums.”>
Barocco said there several key additions by the Parish, including athletic directors for each school and athletic trainers for each school.
<Barocco: “We upped the bar on so many things. We have certified trainers at each high school. Those things were unheard of before.”>
Barocco currently serves on the task force formed by the LHSAA to attempt to bring the public and private schools back together in one playoff bracket.
He said the discussions have been positive.
<Barocco: “We are looking for solutions, not reasons why we split.”>
Barocco said Hurricane Katrina was a turning point.
He said the goal was to rebuild and reestablish.
It is a mission he accomplished.
