Westminster Christian Academy’s Head of School Mr. Scott Davis is pleased to announce the appointment of Coach Robert "Buddy" Turnage as the school’s new Athletic Director. After an in-depth search, screening, and interview process, and with unanimous support by the board representatives on the search committee, Mr. Davis commented, “Our search centered on finding an individual who believes in the mission and vision of Westminster Christian Academy, understands what it takes to reach young people, and possesses the skills necessary to sustain and grow Westminster’s success – athletically, spiritually, and administratively – now and into the future. Coach Turnage quickly distinguished himself as an energetic, visionary leader who possesses the leadership skills, dedication, and passion we were seeking, making it clear that he is the right choice for this role.”
Coach Turnage brought his family and his highly decorated career in baseball and coaching to Westminster Christian Academy during the summer prior to the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. He has diligently served WCA students through physical education and is currently personally impacting the lives of the boys he coaches on the varsity baseball team.
With nearly 14 years in collegiate and high school sports, Turnage’s overall experience demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all sports and the associated support that is necessary to grow and sustain a high-level athletic program.
Coach Turnage's honors and awards include:
- 2-time District Coach of the Year
- St. Bernard Parish Coach of the Year
- Westbank Coach of the Year
- All-Metro Coach of the Year
- 4A State Coach of the Year
In speaking of his vision for Westminster Athletics, Coach Turnage said, “My goal is to build an athletic department that fosters a Christ-centered culture, builds character and rewards excellence and discipline in and out of the team environment. In my role as Athletic Director, I appreciate the wisdom of Proverbs 11:14, ‘Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.’ Our team of qualified and passionate head coaches gives me confidence about the future of Westminster Athletics, and just adds to my excitement about the direction of the school as a whole.”
Turnage was born in Chalmette, Louisiana and progressed in his personal athletic career through baseball first at Jefferson Davis Community College, then Delgado Community College, finally completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of New Orleans in 2001. Coach Turnage has been married 18 years to WCA Head Softball Coach Rachel Turnage and they have 3 children; Britney, Samantha, and Trey. Coach Buddy Turnage will continue to serve as Westminster's head baseball coach and physical education instructor, and will immediately begin his duties as Athletic Director. Turnage’s first order of business is to complete the search and selection process that has already begun for the head football coach position.
Since 1978, Westminster Christian Academy has prepared students through a Christ-centered, challenging, hardworking, nurturing, caring and equipping academic, and spiritual environment. It is the mission of Westminster Christian Academy to assist parents in educating their children by imparting God’s truth to transform society for present and future generations with the ultimate vision of students equipped for lives of significance. To learn more about Westminster Christian Academy, visit www.wcala.org.