Alta High is proud to announce the selection of a new head football coach who will build on the Hawks’ sky-high legacy of excellence.

Alema Te’o, known for his role in founding the prestigious All-Poly Football Camp, officially assumed the post on Feb. 6, 2015. Alta High Principal Brian McGill says he has “full confidence” that Te’o, a special education and physical education teacher, will make an immediate positive impact to the program.

“We’re excited about the hiring of Alema Te’o as Alta High’s head football coach,” McGill said. “He has an innate ability to connect with student athletes, a multitude of skills and years of experience at both the high school and collegiate coaching levels, and has built a strong reputation as the go-to connection for collegiate level football prospects in the state of Utah.”

Te’o was hired as the school’s fifth-ever coach after being interviewed by a search committee that included McGill, District administrators and the chair of the School Community Council.  Te’o will join Alta’s staff in fall 2015. However, McGill said the new coach has not hesitated jumping into the new role. He’s already seeking to solidify his coaching staff and creating plans for the 2015 season and beyond.

“Coach Te’o comes highly recommended, and we are thrilled that he’ll be bringing his skills and talents to Alta High,” McGill said, adding the search committee sought input from former Alta Coach Doug Berry and Utah Coach Ron McBride before making the new-coach selection. 

Te’o, who has a master’s degree in exercise and sports science from Utah State University, has 26 years of experience in education. He’s played major coaching roles at Woods Cross, Bountiful and Lehi high schools, and completed an elite Nike weight-fitness training certification program. Te’o also played and coached at Snow College and served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Utah.

The recent construction of a new, state-of-the-art training facility at Alta, done as part of a remodeling project at the school, will assist the coach and his athletes as the team powers into training season. “Alta will start the 2015-2016 football season with a new coach, region, and best-in-the-state training facilities,” McGill said.

The Hawks achieved 5A-playoff status in the 2014 season. Previously, the school made appearances in 5A semifinal games from 2005-2009 and won state championship trophies in 2007 and 2008.