NEW ORLEANS – St. Martin’s Episcopal School named Frank Gendusa as its new head football coach, effective beginning in the 2018 – 2019 season. The announcement was made by Head of School Merry Sorrells.
With more than 38 years of coaching experience, Gendusa specializes in cultivating the talents of student athletes, including many who have gone on to play in college and professionally. Notably, Gendusa was the high school coach of multiple National Football League players, including retired quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning; New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning; and New York Giants wide receiver Omar Douglas.
“The opportunity to return home to New Orleans to work with the talented student-athletes at St. Martin’s was an opportunity I simply could not pass up,” said Gendusa.
Since 2005, Gendusa has served as the athletic director and head football coach of Fort Worth Country Day School in Fort Worth, TX. During this time, he led the Falcons varsity football team to the Southwest Preparatory Conference title in 2010 and 2016. He was also recognized as the 2011 Texas Private School Coaches Association Coach of the Year. Gendusa served as a teacher, administrator, and coach at Isidore Newman School from 1981-2004, where he earned the President Gerald R. Ford All-American High School Coach Award (2004), and was named District Coach of the Year (1994-5, 1997-1999) and All-Metro Coach of the Year (1994). Gendusa is a veteran, having served in the United States Navy.
“We are excited to welcome Gendusa into our St. Martin’s family and are confident that his nearly four decades of coaching will benefit our student athletes both on and off the field for years to come,” said Sorrells.
Gendusa’s appointment comes at a time of growth for the school’s athletic department, which most recently welcomed Saints Hall of Famer Deuce McAllister as an athletic consultant in March, reps said. Effective immediately, John McDonell has been appointed interim football coach. McDonell has more than 30 years of collegiate football coaching experience and joins St. Martins after serving as Senior Offensive Analyst – Tight Ends at Georgia State University. McDonell has also coached at Tulane University, University of Idaho, University of Memphis, and Bowling Green State University. McDonell joins St. Martin’s following the departure of interim football coach Michael Huwe in June.
Under the leadership of Athletic Director Sue Bower, St. Martin’s athletic department offers 20 LHSAA-sanctioned teams for student athletes. The school’s Metairie campus features top-notch athletic facilities including the full-length football field, Tony Porter Field, which is surrounded by the quarter-mile Latter & Blum Track. Other facilities include a wellness center, Olympic-sized indoor Thanksgiving Pool, and two gymnasiums.
