(La Porte, IN) - The interim high school head football coach in La Porte is here to stay.

 

Last night, the school board, pointing to strong leadership, removed the interim label in approving Austin Epple as the head football coach.

 

The Slicers won only two games during the regular season, but La Porte School Superintendent Mark Francesconi told the board the attitude of his players was more of an accurate reflection of his job performance.

 

“They had an up and down season but they were working hard and kept their spirits up which is a tough thing to do and I think that’s a tribute to him and his staff for being able to maintain that sort of mentality,” he said.

 

Francesconi also cited a need for consistency in the head coaching job following years of high turnover in the position.

 

Chip Jones, our very own voice of the Slicers for live broadcasts on 96.7 The Eagle, also applauded the decision, saying that four head coaches over the past four seasons is likely a factor in the football program's struggles in recent years and in having 15 seniors on this year's team.

 

Jones also said the team won just two games but could have lost every game if not for Epple and his coaching staff.

 

"We got a pretty young staff that could stick together for a while and really do some great things.  I think it's a great step by the school board to take the interim tag off," he said. 

 

Epple had been an assistant football coach for the Slicers since 2018 before being named interim head coach for this season. He’s a 2012 graduate of La Porte High School, where he excelled in football and track as a Slicers athlete.

 

Currently, Epple is a school resource officer in La Porte working on behalf of the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.

 

The football team opens sectional play at home Friday against Michigan City.

 

The Wolves defeated the Slicers 35-0 at Michigan City on October 6th.