He’s coached a state runner-up, and now he’s coming to coach the Patriots. 

On April 7, South announced the hiring of Tom Beauchamp and the head coach of the Patriot football team. Beauchamp spent the last two seasons as a defensive coordinator for St. Mary’s coaching for two years. Before that, he served as an assistant coach for two years at Mehlville High School, and from 1995-2015 he was the head coach at Lindbergh. 

While at Lindbergh, the Flyers posted a 107-95 record and were runner up in the 2002 Class 6 state championship game.

Beauchamp said he is eager to bring his experience over to South High.

“A winning tradition starts with everyone getting on board with a positive attitude and a will to succeed. This includes not only the players and football staff but the entire school, students, teachers, and administration. You are what you believe you are and that will show through our entire community,” said Beauchamp

Not only will he be head football coach, he will also be teaching Biology at South.

He said he has many goals for the Patriots–one of them being he wants to bring a positive culture to the school and the team. 

When asked about what he will be doing to adapt to the pandemic and situation we are in he said, “the key is to adjust and keep a positive attitude.”

This season the varsity football team went 0-10 and are on a 17-game losing streak going back to 2018. Despite this record, junior Mason Lange said he is staying positive and encouraged about next season saying

“I am very hopeful for the next season. I hope that the team will improve and keep getting better,” he said. 

Lange said he thinks Beauchamp will be a good fit for South.

“Coach Beauchamp will impact the team’s energy and style greatly! He sounds very motivational about working hard and being tough mentally,” Lange said.   

 Sophomore Josh Parker agrees with Lange and is also looking forward to Beauchamp’s leadership. 

“I feel like he is a good coach that is motivational and knows his stuff. He has a lot of experience so he will use that to the team’s advantage and I think the team overall will perform better,” said Parker. “I look forward to seeing the team improve and winning some games next year.”