Coach Mark Everett (left) led Dunedin High School to its first state playoff berth in 15 years this fall
Taking over a new football team can be a daunting task. It requires patience, a positive attitude and a willingness on the coach's part to accept some initial ups and downs. In the early years, the going can be difficult as players become accustomed to the new coach's style and game plans.
For Dunedin High School Head Coach Mark Everett, those very traits have paid off during his four seasons at the helm of the Falcons program. This fall, he led his charges to a 9-1 regular-season record and their first state playoff appearance in 15 years. Though Dunedin lost to Lake Gibson, 21-7, in the playoffs, the foundation for a successful future has been laid.
Interestingly, Coach Everett has also helped lay the foundation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as he coached current Bucs G/T Cornell Green during Green's high school years at Lakewood.
On Thursday, Coach Everett was awarded for his efforts by being named the Tampa Bay Buccaneers "Coach of the Week." At a ceremony on the practice field at One Buccaneer Place, Everett was presented with a framed "Coach of the Week" certificate, signed by NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Buccaneers General Manager Rich McKay and Head Coach Jon Gruden. Everett also received a "Coach of the Week" hat and a football autographed by Gruden.
"It's just awesome," said Coach Everett on the honor. "To touch briefly the life of a kid like Cornell and have a tie with a kid is what coaching is all about. Whether they go on to college and become engineers or play in the NFL, somewhere you had an impact on their life and that means more to me than anything. And to be honored for that is something special."
In addition to the certificate, hat and ball, Coach Everett will also receive a $1,000 donation to his Falcons football program.
If you know a coach that you feel is deserving of being the Buccaneers "Coach of the Week" please click here and submit his or her name, school, county and reason he or she should be selected.
Several factors are taken into account when selecting the Buccaneers Coach of the Week recipient, including the coach's impact on his team, school and community. The program is designed to recognize high school coaches who transform, through their hard work and dedication to young people, the best available athletes into high-potential football players.
All schools in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota are eligible regardless of size, league or division.
