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Alonzo Carter was named as the new Head Coach for Berkeley High’s football program on Wednesday. 

The selection process, begun in December 2006, drew over a dozen candidates. Seven applicants were interviewed by a panel of seven, including student Jovan Williams (a senior at BHS), parents, faculty and administrators. 

Carter has coached football at McClymonds High School in Oakland for a decade. He has been credited with sending more than 60 student players on to play for Division 1 colleges since 1993. 

“He is known for carrying a satchel with all of his player’s transcripts, though he doesn’t have to look in the bag to tell you how his students are doing,” said Mark Coplan, BUSD spokesperson. 

“Alonzo Carter has a great reputation with the college recruiters. He personally tracks his players’ performance and attendance and makes sure that his students stay on track,” said BHS athletic director Kristin Glenchur said in a statement 

Carter also got a boost from UC Berkeley head football coach Jeff Tedford. 

“Alonzo is a great communicator and can motivate young people to give their best effort,” Tedford wrote in his recommendation. “He is an intelligent person who sees education as a priceless tool for young people and recognizes athletics as a vehicle to sponsor a higher goal, academically and socially. I would be proud to entrust him with my own children.” 

BHS principal Jim Slemp introduced Carter at the Donahue Gym on Wednesday where he had his first meeting with varsity and Junior Varsity football players.