KATZ Aims to Be After-School HQ

CENTRAL — Central Intermediate School has moved to the new Central School Complex on Sullivan Road, leaving the community with a vacant building.

The building was available for lease when Jo Jo Patterson had a vision of creating KATZ — the Kid’s  Athletic Training Zone.

Now that vision is becoming a reality as he prepares to occupy the former school’s gym and its softball and baseball field.

KATZ will be a multi-sport training facility, designed for use by student athletes of Central and surrounding area. Jo Jo Patterson said his goal will be to provide the best programs, staff, and facility to meet the needs of KATZ members.

KATZ will offer an after-school program Monday through Friday from 2 to 10 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from Bellingrath Hills Elementary, Tanglewood Elementary, Central Intermediate, Central Middle, and St. Alphonsus, but drop-offs from other schools will also be permitted.

Student activities will include study and homework time, use of batting cages, softball and baseball fields, fitness classes, nutrition education classes, and the gym.  In addition to weekdays, the facility will be open to members on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Private instruction will be available at KATZ, in addition to, the after-school program. Private lessons will be also available for basketball, softball, football, and golf from former college coaches and current and former college and professional athletes. Lessons will be from 30 to 60 minutes, and team training will be available.

KATZ will be available for early dismissals and will offer holiday camps during the school year.  In 2013, KATZ will offer a summer camp program.

Coaching clinics and seminars will be held throughout the year.

KATZ will offer recruiting services, including recruiting videos, seminars, and counseling.

Jo Jo Patterson has more than 15 years’ personal experience in the coaching field.

He played baseball and basketball for Redemptorist and Baker high schools.

He played basketball for Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas, coached basketball at Redemptorist High School, and has been actively coaching his own three children in T-ball, softball, basketball, and baseball.

Patterson said his main focus is to provide students in the community a place that can bring out the best that each child can be.

KATZ is located at 10510 Joor Road (formerly Central Intermediate’s Gym).  For more information, call Jo Jo Patterson at 225-413-3343.