BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Funeral services are scheduled Saturday in Eunice for Northwest High assistant football coach Kenneth Bellard, who died suddenly Aug. 20 following an illness.
Bellard, 59, who assisted with coaching several other Northwest sports during his employment with the St. Landry Parish School District, assisted with the Northwest-LaGrange preseason scrimmage last week, shortly before his death, according to Northwest head football coach Chris Edwards.
“This is a real blow to the school, our athletic program at Northwest, the area community and the many young men Coach Bellard touched over the years,” Edwards said.
Edwards said Bellard appeared in good spirits last Wednesday night during a preseason jamboree function at the Opelousas Civic Center.
“Coach Bellard was having a good time with us and the other coaches around the parish. Then when we had our scrimmage the next day against LsGrange, Coach Bellard was there with the linebackers as always. Coach Bellard was in charge of our defense and he will certainly be missed by the school, the athletic staff and his players,” added Edwards.
Edwards said the Northwest football program is dedicating the season to Bellard.
“I am sure the jamboree game (against Opelousas High Friday night) will be an emotional time for all of us, especially his defensive guys,” Edwards said.
During a series of St. Landry Parish School Board meetings Monday night, several board members remembered Bellard with a moment of silence.
Board president Albert Hayes, Jr., described Bellard as a “great man and dedicated coach, who will be missed on many levels. He was a quality individual, who was important to his community.”
Anthony Standberry, another board member, said Bellard served as a mentor and motivator.
Visitation for Bellard will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Zion Baptist Church, 251 Mimitz Street in Eunice.
Services will begin at the church beginning at 11 a.m.
