NATCHEZ — New Trinity Episcopal Day School football coach Zach Rogel formally introduced himself to the Trinity family Thursday, vowing to parents that he intends for his athletes to excel both on and off the field.

Rogel was formally introduced Thursday at the school’s gymnasium as the new football coach, track and field coach and athletic director. He told Trinity parents and faculty in attendance he’s looking to continue Trinity’s strong tradition in athletics and academics.

“We’re a Christian school first, and we’re going to act like it on the field and off the field,” Rogel said. “We want to prepare students for life outside of high school.”

Rogel, a 2005 graduate of Trinity, comes to the school after a stint as a defensive backs coach at Mississippi College. He’s also been offensive coordinator at Copiah and Marshall academies.

Trinity headmaster Les Hegwood said he spoke to Mississippi College head football coach Norman Joseph about Rogel and came away impressed with what he heard.

“Coach Joseph told me, in all his time, he’s never known someone as eager to learn on every front and help, whether it’s the most menial task or the biggest task,” Hegwood said. “That impressed me.”

Hegwood also said Rogel’s love for his alma mater is a plus.

“He has a love for this place and knows what it can do for people,” Hegwood said. “This place helped raise him and shaped his values, and he understands that it’s a special place.”

Rogel said after his introduction that it felt special to be home and coaching at Trinity was a natural fit for him.

“I feel like it’s meant to be, like I’m coming home,” Rogel said.

Rogel said he’s gotten to know several returning players since his hire was announced last week, and he’s ready to get started with offseason workouts after he officially begins Jan. 7.

“We have a good group of core athletes,” Rogel said. “I’ve gotten a good vibe from the underclassmen. They’re ready to work hard and be pushed.”

Sophomore running back Dee Fleming said he thinks Rogel will fit in well at Trinity.

“He seems like a great guy so far,” Fleming said. “He said he wants to continue making the program better and striving for excellence.”

Junior quarterback Wyatt Boothe also said he got a good impression from talking to Rogel.

“He’s a nice guy and seems to know what he’s talking about,” Boothe said.

Though senior Jake Pender will graduate before having a chance to play for Rogel in football, Pender said he’s looking forward to working with Rogel this spring in track and field.

“I’m pretty excited,” Pender said. “I think he’ll be a good fit for the track team. He’s very polite and well-mannered, and he seems to have a good head on his shoulders.”

Rogel said the first order of business when he starts Jan. 7 will be getting the schedules lined up, finding out which students will play which sports and implementing his offseason workout program for football.