A friend in me

Most everyone around the Acadiana coaching scene know the two newest additions to the Ville Platte High football coaching staff. That’s because Roy Serie and Robert Soileau have been a part of that scene for over 30+ combined years.
But, what few may know is that Serie and Soileau have had a bond that takes them back to the time they competed against each other in the world of high school athletics.
Serie, a Ville Platte High graduate, and Soileau, a Sacred Heart High graduate, faced off against each other on the gridiron during their high school tenure, while the two made their mark in annals of the some of the best athletes to grace the Evangeline Parish sporting arena.
From that time on, Serie and Soileau have seen that bond grow into a friendship and a mutual admiration that has continued to blossom to this day.
“I can say that Robert and I have an example of what a true friendship is meant to look like,” stated Serie. “We’ve been competitors on the field and in the coaching profession, but we have always had a respect for each other and a friendship that has lasted a long time. When I was going through some tough times, Robert was there to help me through it. I just believe that it was meant to be that we are here together at the same time.”
Its a sentiment that Soileau can whole-heartedly agree with.
“During spring training, when I walked out on the field and saw Roy walking up at the same time, I felt a sense of ease and calmness knowing that he was around,” said Soileau. “We have battled against each other as players and coaches, but we have always made sure that our friendship stayed intact. Having the opportunity to coach with Roy is going to be something special.”
The bond that Serie and Soileau have formed carried its way throughout college and into the realm of their professional lives. After high school graduation, both Serie and Soileau attended McNeese State University, where Serie played football and Soileau ran track.
From there, the two took classes together at LSUE. But, it wasn’t until Serie and Soileau began coaching did their mutual admiration and friendship really take off to become what it is today. And, oddly enough, it was the sport of track and field that brought growth to their bond.
“Roy and I had some battles when we faced each other as track coaches,” commented Soileau. “He always had some good teams and I had some pretty good teams too. The thing about both of us is that we like to compete. So, we were buddies before the meet, but when it was going on, I did not want to see him at all. And then afterward, it was back to being buddies again.”
Now the two will get to combine their extensive knowledge about track and field, as they both will be a part of the Ville Platte High track program come spring time. For Serie, that combination is not only exciting, but it makes him wonder what a former mentor for both he and Soileau would have to say about their new connection.
“I just think in the back of my mind what Coach (Dutton) Wall would have to say about us coaching together,” stated Serie. “Even though I did not work for him like Robert did, Coach Wall was always there to help me and give me advice. One time he even came and helped one of my athletes when he had trouble coming out of the blocks, even though he would be competing against his team. I just think Coach Wall would be excited to see us be able to work together.”
For now, the two friends will take their talents to the gridiron in hopes of helping Ville Platte High continue the winning tradition they have been known for.
No matter what happens to Serie or Soileau in the future, one thing is for sure, the two know what true friendship means.
As the song says, “You’ve Got a Friend In Me.”