By Marty Gordon
Blacksburg High School has a new head football coach. He is Zach Leonard, who has coached for the past four years at Christiansburg High School after stops in Rural Retreat, Glenvar, and Patrick Henry.
Blacksburg High School Athletic Director Peter Lyell said Leonard brings an abundance of football knowledge and experience to the football program. “Zack’s passion for the game and impeccable moral character make him the perfect fit for BHS,” he said.
He replaces Eddie Sloss who resigned last year after completing Blacksburg’s second winless season. The program has also fought the participation bug in the midst of COVID as they did not field a junior varsity team two years ago.
Leonard has been employed with Montgomery County Public Schools for five years and comes to Blacksburg High School with an extensive coaching background that has prepared him for his new role as head football coach for the Bruins. He most recently served as offensive run coordinator in 2021 after serving as Christiansburg High School’s defensive coordinator for four seasons.
“I’m extremely humbled and excited to have this opportunity,” Leonard said. “Blacksburg is a great community with a great football tradition. I’m excited to start building relationships and help our students reach their potential.”
The new coach met with returning players Wednesday and hopes to begin preseason workouts in the near future. The Bruins will return as many as 26 players including eight starters on both sides of the ball.
