Change is in the air for Memorial Day school athletic programs.
The Matadors recently hired a new athletic director, a new football coach, and announced that the football program will move to an eight-man system competing in the Georgia Independent Athletic Association.
Memorial Day parted ways with head coach Jaha Taylor in February, at the same time announcing a shift to eight-man football starting next season. Taylor, who coached the Matadors for two seasons, did not agree to the move and is seeking an assistant coaching position in the Savannah area.
The school also announced the hiring of a new athletic director, as Andrea Bagnall took over running the program last month. She has over 40 years of experience and moved to Savannah from Arizona, where she served as Director of Sports Medicine at the University of Arizona.
The school announced last week the hiring of a new football coach, with Zane Rowland taking over the reins of a GIAA program with a proven track record of winning six state championships in 11-man football. The latest coaching will take place in 2017. He has worked as an assistant at Valdosta High School and most recently at Savannah High School where he served as the Blue Jackets' offensive coordinator last season.
Memorial athletes sign to play soccerHow four small-school Savannah athletes achieved big dreams by signing with colleges.
Memorial Day mock wins coaching awardWhy Memorial Day's Dale Mock is a worthy recipient of the “Coaching with the Class” Award
Thompson resigns on Memorial DayMemorial Day coach Thompson resigns
“Coach Roland is young, dynamic, and full of energy, so I knew he would be a great fit,” said Bagnall, a University of Tennessee graduate who was inspired by the late legendary women's basketball coach Pat Summitt. He said he was a close friend. . “We thought he would be a good fit as we transition to eight-man football. He wants to be here and build the program.”
The Matadors went 1-9 in 2022, but bounced back last season by reaching the GIAA Class A state semifinals and finishing with a 5-7 record. Three Matadors players will play college ball, with quarterback Tyler Kindle and lineman Joseph Burns going to North Carolina Wesleyan and receiver Craig Harris playing at St. Andrews.
Rowland is a graduate of Lowndes High School, but said he did not play football during his prep days. He started coaching in a recreational league nine years ago and worked his way up the ladder to his first head coaching job in high school.
“It's amazing to think that I was coaching fourth graders nine years ago and have taken the steps to get to where I am now,” said Roland, 34. “It makes sense for us to move to eight-man football. Of the 21 players on the roster, 11 have graduated, so we have 10 returning and adding to that. “I've talked to a few coaches who have experience. “Now that we've moved to an eight-man system, we'll be able to execute the same offensive concept: two offensive linemen and a skill position player. All you have to do is reduce
Roland is married and the father of four children, ranging in age from 13 to his most recent addition, a 7-month-old daughter. His son, JR, will be a freshman on Memorial Day in the fall and will compete for the starting quarterback spot.
Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact us at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN
