Tonelli leaves Wharton for USF
Wharton boys basketball coach Tommy Tonelli, the Times Coach of the Year, has accepted an assistant coaching job at the University of South Florida, Wildcats AD Mike Rowan confirmed.
Tonelli, a former USF player and assistant, has been the only coach in Wharton's history, winning over 200 games since 1997. Last season, Tonelli and Times Player of the Year Shawn Vanzant led the Wildcats to a 29-2 record and berth in the Class 5A region final, the furthest any Wharton team had gone. They lost to eventual state champion Lake Howell, but Tonelli was named Tampa Bay Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year.
Tonelli notified Wharton officials Tuesday, but hasn't offered his official resignation or paperwork yet; Rowan said that should come next week. Rowan said Tonelli, who couldn't be reached for comment, will be part of the coaching search committee.
"He’s arguably the best coach in Hillsborough County," Rowan said. "We have one ofo the best program in Hillsborough County and he built that -- anyone who comes in after has big shoes to fill."
-- JOE SMITH
Times photo of Wharton basketball coach Tommy Tonelli talking to SHawn Vanzant.
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