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West Jordan Journal

Jaguars Hire New Football Coach

Jun 19, 2015 05:58PM ● By Greg James

Mike Meifu stands far right on the sidelines as offensive coordinator for Southern Virgina University. Photo courtesy of SVU

The West Jordan High School football team has a new head coach.  Alumnus Mike Meifu has been hired to take over the helm of the Jaguar football program.

“West Jordan is in my blood and I am fired up to be here. Being in this school again means a lot to me. I believe this is a great time in these kids’ lives, and I am glad to be part of it,” Meifu said.

The Jaguars former head coach Dan Dupaix stepped down to pursue a career outside of football. The school announced the hiring of Meifu May 21.

“In my phone conversations and interviews with him, I have heard his plans for West Jordan football and his passion for West Jordan High. If I was a 17-year-old kid, I would be excited to have this man leading our team,” Athletic Director Scott Briggs said. “I watched him from the sidelines as a running back. I am not sure we have ever had a tougher back going through that line. I think we have pulled out a piece of gold in the coaching ranks.”

The list of former Jaguar head coaches is not long. In the schools 33 year history, they have had seven head coaches: Larry Sanich (1981-85), Tom Molen (85-88), Rick Bojack (89-97),  Brent Hawkins (97-99), Mike Morgan (99-2013), Danny Dupaix (2014-15) and Meifu. 

“I have put a lot of hours in this school building, in the weight room and on the football field. To be able to come back here is cool. It is something I have dreamed of,” Meifu said.

Meifu outlined his team goals and objectives at a parents and players meeting May 28. He said academic, athletic and personal improvement are his main goals for the players.

“The administration and I talked about molding these players. Winning is also important. It is not worth the work if we are not trying to win. We want to develop the kids in our main three areas. I also want to build a connection to the community and pack our stadium on Friday nights,” Meifu said.

Meifu graduated from West Jordan High School in 2005. He was named first team all-state for the Jaguars as a fullback in 2005 and led the team to their best season (nine wins) and a state semi-finals loss to Skyline 33-3. Meifu set the single season school rushing record with 1,304 yards and scored 21 touchdowns that season.

He played at Snow College for three seasons and coached there for five. As an offensive coordinator and running back coach, the Badgers played in two national championship games. He also was the offensive line coach at Southern Virginia University from 2013 to 2014.

“It is going to be different. Our old coaches were a small part of our family so it is hard to get used to having a new coach,” junior running back Briggance Percival said.

Meifu is married to West Jordan alum Jamie Driggs. The couple has an 18-month-old son, Maximus, and are expecting another child in September.