Catholic High School for Boys Announces Athletic Leadership Transition

Tim Ezzi to Retire as Athletic Director; Todd Ezzi Named New AD as School Searches for New Head Basketball Coach

Little Rock, Ark. (March 17, 2026) — Catholic High School for Boys announces the retirement of Athletic Director Tim Ezzi at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year. His son, CHS coach and teacher Todd Ezzi, will serve as the school’s new athletic director beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The school starts its search for a new head basketball coach today.

Tim Ezzi’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary 39-year career as an educator, coach and athletic director dedicated to forming young men both on and off the field.

“Tim Ezzi’s influence on Catholic High cannot be overstated,” said Head of School Steve Straessle. “For nearly four decades, Coach Ezzi has dedicated himself to the young men of this school and to the mission of CHS. His leadership has shaped our athletic programs and the lives of our students, whom he has taught and coached. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment and the legacy he leaves behind, and are looking forward to Todd’s leadership with our athletic programs.”

As Todd Ezzi transitions into the role of athletic director, Catholic High now searches for the next head basketball coach to lead the Rockets in the competitive 5A conference. The school is seeking a coach who is passionate about developing student-athletes, building a strong program and leading the Rockets to new levels of success on and off the court.

“We are looking forward to hiring a head basketball coach who wants to build an excellent program in a competitive conference among a team dedicated to mentoring young men,” Straessle said. “CHS has a seasoned athletics leadership team, and we’re excited about adding a new coach who shares our vision for excellence and growth.”

Coach Tim Ezzi’s legacy has shaped CHS’s athletic department to what it is today. A proud alumnus of Catholic High’s Class of 1972, he returned to his alma mater early in his career and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s athletic and spiritual culture. During his time at CHS, he has taught world history, physical education and religion, impacting generations of students in the classroom as well as through athletics.

Over nearly four decades, Coach Ezzi has coached tennis, golf, baseball, football and basketball, shaping the lives of countless young men. He served as head basketball coach from 1991 to 2013, leading the Rockets to a state championship in 2008.

In 2012, Coach Ezzi was named athletic director, where he continued to strengthen the school’s athletic programs while emphasizing leadership, discipline and character.

Reflecting on his career, Tim Ezzi said, “Catholic High has been such an important part of my life. It has been a blessing to spend nearly 40 years teaching, coaching and walking alongside so many incredible young men. Watching them grow into leaders in their families, careers and communities has been the greatest reward. I’m grateful to the many students, families, coaches and colleagues who made this journey so meaningful.”

Todd Ezzi joined Catholic High in 2004 as a teacher and an assistant basketball coach alongside his father. In 2013, Todd was named head basketball coach. In addition to coaching, he teaches physical science, honors physical science and religion.

“With Todd stepping into this role, we see both continuity and a strong vision for the future of Rocket athletics,” Straessle said. “He understands the mission of Catholic High and the importance of athletics in forming young men of faith, character and leadership.”

About Catholic High School for Boys
Catholic High School for Boys, a college-preparatory high school in Little Rock, was founded by Bishop John B. Morris of the Diocese of Little Rock in 1930 to ensure that boys in the Little Rock area had access to quality Catholic secondary education. Nearly a century later, CHS continues its tradition of aiding boys of all faiths in their spiritual and academic growth. The school continues to provide boys with the foundation needed to become outstanding fathers, husbands and leaders in their communities. Learn more at lrchs.org.

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