By Tamas Mondovics
Armwood High School varsity football coach Sean Callahan, announced his resignations ahead of the upcoming 2017-2018 school year.
Callahan, who needs no introduction, leaves the program with a 233-105 record, after turning the Hawks into a state football powerhouse.
The Hawks made the playoffs for the first time in 1996, followed by advancing to the state semifinals in 2000. In 2003 the Hawks won the county’s first state championship.
Callahan announced his resignation last month, following this year’s spring football jamboree and before he would have entered his 28th season with the program.
As expected the Hawks are ready for the fall as a state title contender team filled with strength and talent.
While successful Callahan’s coaching career at Armwood is not without blemish.
During the 2011 season, the Hawks team was investigated by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) for allegedly recruiting and residency allegations.
Recruiting was not proven, but five players were cited for falsifying residency claims.
When it was over, Armwood was fined nearly $13,000 and stripped of its 2010-2011state championship that came with 26 wins.
Skipping a year, the Hawks returned with a vengeance and advanced to three straight title games (2013-15). The Hawks lost in the region semifinals last season.
There is little doubt about Callahan’s success and subsequent respect he has earned from his peers.
On another note, successful coaches turning in their resignations this spring also included East Bay High School girls flag football coach Michael Cooper, who said goodbye to his players and to the program after a decade long run, which came at the conclusion of the 2017 spring season.
Cooper led the program to its 100th win in 11 years, and to the school’s sixth flag football district championship. In the 11 year history of the sport in Hillsborough County, East Bay made every district tournament.
“My first district championship was in 2008, a 1-OT win against Riverview and my last district championship game, a 2-OT win against Bloomingdale,” Cooper said. “I am very proud of all my teams who have given me so many wonderful memories. I thank you all, I love you all and I am proud that I had the honor to coach you all.”
For more information about Armwood and East Bay High Schools visit www.maxpreps.com.
