By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — While St. Charles Catholic recently had to say goodbye to a longtime member of its coaching staff, it’s nonetheless welcomed in a strong replacement. 

Former Newman head basketball coach Kemper Todd accepted that same position at St. Charles, stepping in for former SCC basketball coach Paul Waguespack, who late last month left the school to accept a position at Destrehan.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the SCC team and am excited about being back at a school ensconced in faith,” Todd said in a statement released this week by SCC. “I’m looking forward to diving right in.”

Todd resigned from his perch at Newman in September of last year, citing health concerns. He compiled a record of 104-22 at Newman and boasts 27 years of coaching experience, 23 of those as a head coach between stops at Newman, Catholic High and UMS-Wright of Alabama. 

But when the Comets job opened up, SCC athletic director Frank Monica said the school quickly became aware that Todd had interest in a return to coaching after a season recharging off the court. 

“We were very, very fortunate,” Monica said. “Paul did a really exceptional job restoring our program, and we were fortunate to get someone else to step in with the kind of credibility (Todd) brings.

“We want to build a very strong basketball program here and this is another step in that direction.”

Said SCC Principal Andrew Cupit, “We are thrilled to welcome Kemper and are delighted that he has joined our administrative team and coaching staff.  His education and experience will be an asset to our program.”

The Comets went 10-17 last season under Waguespack, an eight-win improvement from the team’s 2-21 mark in his first season with the team. 

Waguespack spent those two years as head boys basketball coach and one year as head girls basketball coach. He also was a longtime assistant football coach with the school.

But he’s best known for his long, successful run as the school’s head baseball coach. Waguespack spent 13 seasons in that role, averaging 24 wins a season on his way to a total of 315 victories.

He spent last season as the assistant to his successor, Wayne Stein, who was Waguespack’s top assistant for the majority of that 13 year run. 

He steps into a familiar role, then at Destrehan. 

He accepted a job as assistant baseball coach to first-year head coach Chris Mire, who himself succeeds longtime DHS baseball coach Marty Luquet. Luquet retired after last season. Waguespack will call pitches, just as he did at St. Charles. 

“It kind of fell in my lap, honestly,” Waguespack said. “The Destrehan (baseball) program is one of the premier in the state … I’m coming from one (premier program) and going to another.

“I’m excited about what they have coming back, I really am.”

He said the opening represented an opportunity he had to take, noting some of the benefits moving to the public school system would yield, specifically in terms of retirement. 

Waguespack will also be an assistant football coach under head coach Stephen Robicheaux. The two are longtime friends who attended St. Charles Catholic together during their prep days, each a member of the SCC class of 1980. Waguespack quarterbacked the Comets football team back then; Robicheaux lined up behind him at running back. 

“Our friendship goes way back,” Waguespack said. “This was originally just a baseball job, but the opportunity to coach with him on the football team came up, so I have the chance to coach with a buddy.”

Both Monica and Waguespack said the split from SCC was amicable.

“He’s doing what’s best for he and his family,” said Monica. “Paul did whatever we asked, ever. It’s a credit to him and his dedication.”

Waguespack said his emotions were, obviously, mixed.

“St. Charles is my life,” Waguespack said. “I went there for 12 years (as a student) and I’ve worn my blue ever since. We were close in baseball (in a state final) four times, and we finally won it in football. I’m happy to leave on good terms.”