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| Former Boys Basketball Head Coach Marcel Thomas is leaving Leesburg to take over the boys basketball program at All Saints Academy of Winter Haven. |
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
July 27, 2013
LEESBURG - Marcel Thomas is leaving Leesburg High School after leading Leesburg to two State Championship Game Appearances. Thomas is leaving to coach boys basketball for All Saints Academy of Winter Haven. All Saints Academy will be the fifth coaching job for Thomas during his career. Thomas was 67-46 in four seasons as head coach at Groveland South Lake (2005-09) and is 191-108 for his career, including two stints in Virginia. He will arguably go down as the greatest basketball coach in the history of Leesburg Basketball.
Thomas told reporters that he was no longer happy at Leesburg and the direction that the program was headed. He also said there was lack of support by the school's administration as reasons for leaving.
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| Leesburg High School 2011 FHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball State Champions |
“I just wasn’t happy at Leesburg,” Thomas said on Thursday. “I love the kids there. But the administration didn’t really embrace the success that we’ve had as a program. It was time for me to pack up and go.”
Thomas led Leesburg to it's first state title in 34 years in 2011 and followed that performance with a return trip to the state championship game in 2012. He is only the second African-American Head boys basketball coach in the 94 year history of basketball at Leesburg. Legendary coach Hubert O. Dabney was the first African-American head basketball coach in the early 70's.
All Saints was 12-12 last season under the direction of veteran coach Aubrey Whitaker, formerly of Lake Highland Prep, Lake Wales and Frostproof.
“They’re definitely going in the right direction as far as athletics,” Thomas said.
Thomas record is outstanding at Leesburg leading them to 20 win seasons in each of his three seasons at the helm. His record at the school is 72-20 during his tenure. What is impressive about this record is that he accomplished this playing one of the nations toughest schedules. Thomas brought back the swagger to Leesburg Basketball and he certainly will be missed by the Jacket Nation.
Gerald Lacey is a senior sports writer covering Leesburg High School Sports for the Carver Heights Quarterback Club. You can reach him at geraldlacey@leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.com
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