Lakeland’s Bill Castle Retires as Winningest Florida HS coach

[Theologator]

After 47 years, Bill Castle retires as Lakeland's football coach

After 47 years, Bill Castle retires as Lakeland's football coach

In his 47 years, he's won eight state titles, two national titles and racked up 473 wins, the most of any high school football coach in state history.

www.theledger.com

Castle retires with a 473-98 record. The eight titles, which came in '86, '96, '99, '04, '05, '06, '18 and '22, are the most in Florida from a public school. He led Lakeland to the championship game nine times with the only loss coming in 2008 to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Lakeland is 5-1 all time vs. Aquinas in state title games.

What a great coach.

 

[Born2beagator]

Woooooow. Thought he'd die on the sidelines. He's in my backyard so I watch a ton of Lakeland football. They had a great team this year. Gonna be weird without him

 

[Theologator]

Woooooow. Thought he'd die on the sidelines. He's in my backyard so I watch a ton of Lakeland football. They had a great team this year. Gonna be weird without him

I grew up in Lakeland and worked there for 15 years after UF, went to many LHS games. (Our oldest son was in the band.) Great program. Definitely weird without him.

 

[Born2beagator]

I grew up in Lakeland and worked there for 15 years after UF, went to many LHS games. (Our oldest son was in the band.) Great program. Definitely weird without him.

He surprised me this year, he evolved in his coaching and was more aggressive. Last year when they lost to lake gibson twice I called him a dinosaur because of his style of coaching. Makes me wonder if he was changing things up in preparation for hanging it over

 

[Turk182]

Much appreciation for his efforts!

Nulli Secundus !

 

[Theologator]

A lot of GatorNaught greats over the years. Wayne Peace, David Williams, the Pounceys, Rainey, Ahmad Black come to mind quickly.

 

[Joegator96]

Yes, he kept this decision very close to the vest. He said winning the championship had nothing to do with his decision it was just time to step away and travel with his wife. Going to be interesting to learn the direction the school goes. Speculation is Ahmed Black will be considered as he has been coaching the DB's last couple of years and is a real favorite of the players.

 

[gardnerwebbgator]

A lot of GatorNaught greats over the years. Wayne Peace, David Williams, the Pounceys, Rainey, Ahmad Black come to mind quickly.

Karl will make sure to avoid recruiting there.

 

[Joegator96]

Florida's winningest high school football coach retiring after 52 years

Bill Castle's name is synonymous with Lakeland High School football. He has been the head coach at the powerhouse program for 52 years, but recently announced he's retiring.

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