A New Coach, A New Hope
Tim O'Neal has been appointed head baseball coach at Choudrant High School, stepping into the role vacated by Joel Antley, who guided the Eagles to a state tournament appearance in 2023.
O'Neal arrives with a distinguished track record, having served as executive director of the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association and earning a reputation for demanding discipline while shaping character on and off the field.
His hiring continues a family legacy; Tony Antley, Joel’s cousin, captured six state titles over 32 years, with the most recent championship coming in 2022, the final season of his tenure.
The school hopes the new coach can resurrect that tradition, targeting a return to the pinnacle of Louisiana baseball and a championship that has eluded the program since 2022.
O'Neal will work with returning standouts Cash Camp and Cam Bagwell, both named to the 2027 First Team All‑District and LBCA All‑Region 2 selections, to rebuild a competitive roster.
Beyond the varsity squad, he plans to reinvigorate the JV program, instilling a culture of toughness and accountability that he believes will filter up to the senior level.
Athletic director Chris Jones praised O'Neal’s vision, stating that the coach’s blend of experience and philosophy aligns perfectly with the district’s long‑term goals.
The move underscores Choudrant High School’s commitment to restoring a program that last captured a state title in 2022, a season that also marked Tony Antley’s final year before retirement.
With O'Neal at the helm, the Eagles look to blend disciplined play with character development, aiming to bring the community back to the excitement of championship baseball.