Stokley, who attended Crowley High School, had coaching pit stops at Louisiana State, Virginia Tech and Clemson before taking over at then-USL. He was named head football coach on November 30, 1985 and remained an Acadiana area resident ever since.
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Nelson Stokley 1944-2010 - KLFY.com
Stokley, who attended Crowley High School, had coaching pit stops at Louisiana State, Virginia Tech and Clemson before taking over at then-USL. He was named head football coach on November 30, 1985 and remained an Acadiana area resident ever since.
. Remembering Coach Stokley
Friends are remembering former UL Lafayette Head Football Coach, Nelson Stokley. He died Saturday at the age of 66. Stokley was diagnosed with alzheimer's disease over three years ago. Friends say, although the disease became more present in his final days, they're focused on remembering the great life he lived.
"He was able to motivate people, he made people around him better," Nelson Schexnayder, who use to coach along side Stokley, said.
Troy Wingerter played for Stokley from 1987-1991. He says Stokley was a player's coach, always there for the team. "I'll especially remember him in the way that he was out on that field, the way he interacted with players".
Coach Stokley resigned from UL in 1998, after 13 years of service. During a portion of that time, he also acted as Athletic Director. Friends say he was perfect for the job, because he was very competitive in all sports and hated losing. Stokley continued to support UL Athletics even after he left his job.
"He was always at a lot of our functions in the last few years. I know they always tried to make fan day and all the home games," UL Director of Athletic Training, John Porche said.
Stokley and his family also owned Pete's in Lafayette for a few years. He did business with Mike Helo from Took's Fine Meat and More.
"He was a good person, a very very good person and they ran the business good," Helo said.
Stokley won championships in 1993 and 1994, but friends say one of his most memorable coaching moments may have been the victory over Texas A&M in 1996.
Funeral arrangements have been set. Viewing will be held Monday from 3pm-9pm at Martin Castille South side. An additional viewing will be held Tuesday at 10am at St. John's Cathedral, followed by a burial in Crowley.
Randol's in Lafayette is hosting a "Celebration of Life" for Stokley at 1:00 Tuesday afternoon.
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