Coach Jay Pope is a 2006 graduate of Valle Catholic High School in Ste. Genevieve, MO, where he was a 4 year letterman in both football and track. After graduating, he attended Lindenwood University on a football scholarship where he played wide receiver for the Lions. Pope transferred from Lindenwood after one season and enrolled in the Jefferson College Police Academy and would go on to serve as a Police Officer for several years. During this time, he began volunteering at his former high school as a football, wrestling, and track coach. This experience in coaching led him to discover his passion for teaching and he eventually traded in his badge to pursue a full time career in education. During his coaching tenure, Pope’s teams have amassed 8 State Championships and 3 State Runner Up titles. He is currently entering his 5th year in special education and will begin his first year within the Jackson School district as a Special Services teacher in the high school.