William (Bill) Bofinger is a New Orleans native and a Baton Rouge implant.

He attended Lee High School as a student on its first day of opening in 1959 and would then begin his coaching and teaching career at the same school in 1969.

Bill led his wrestling teams to a runner-up finish at the state tournament in 1976, 12 city championships and 20 individual state champions. As head football coach, he led his team to a district win and playing in the state quarterfinals.

He was named District Coach of the Year in football in 1985 and All-Metro Coach of the Year eight times.

Although his legacy is in wrestling, Bill was also a driver’s education instructor, physical education teacher, and had a brief stint as head football coach at Lee High.

His 40-year loyalty to Lee High lasted until the closing of the school in 2009.

Bill continued to share his passion for teaching and coaching at Tara High School for three years and another seven years at Baton Rouge High School before retiring in May of 2019.