by Shawn Nowlin
William Fleming High School has turned to a veteran coach to take over its football program. The new head man is Zach Leonard, someone who comes with 15 years of coaching experience across the Roanoke and New River valleys.
Leonard most recently served as the head football coach at Blacksburg High. There, he guided the Bruins to their first playoff appearance in six years while helping end a 29-game losing streak.
Before that, his stops included Christiansburg High, Glenvar High and Rural Retreat High as either a coordinator or line coach.
Fleming’s season ended last year on Nov. 21 with a defeat to Highland Springs in the playoffs. Overall, the team went 8-4. A bevy of starters on both sides of the ball are expected to be on next year’s team.
Leonard succeeds Nick Leftwich, who resigned to accept the Lord Botetourt High head coaching position. During his introductory press conference, Leonard said he is excited to roll his sleeves up and get to work.
A graduate of Patrick Henry High School, Leonard went on to earn a degree in health and human performance from Ferrum College. He played for Coach Dave Davis on the school’s football program.
While Fleming has never won a Virginia High School League (VHSL) state football championship, the Colonels have finished as state runners-up twice.
In 1997, the school lost to Hampton High in the Group AAA Division 5 State Championship. Six years later, that same feat happened against Powhatan High. Despite being a crosstown rival graduate, some believe that Leonard can make history at Fleming.
For Leonard to be successful, it will require balancing competitive drive with education-based athletics, clear communication with supporters, the backing of the school administration and building genuine relationships with Colonel Nation.
Along with the football coaching change, Fleming also hired former math teacher and soccer coach Zach Quest as its new athletic director.
Said Principal Tracey Anderson in a statement posted on social media, “William Fleming has always been a place where student-athletes rise to the occasion, and these two hires are a statement about where we are headed.”
She added, “Zach Quest brings years of Colonel pride and a deep understanding of what our students need to thrive. Zack Leonard brings a proven ability to build culture, commitment and competitive programs. Together, they will both help us write the next chapter of Colonel athletics.”
