Fenlon two wins shy of 500
Tampa Prep boys basketball coach Joe Fenlon doesn't want you reading this blog post, at least not for the rest of this week. He desperately wants the focus of Saturday's showdown against Berkeley Prep -- a clash of top-ranked teams -- to be about the kids.
But if the Terrapins triumph, Fenlon likely will be thrust into the spotlight whether he likes it or not.
It could be his 500th career coaching victory.
Fenlon begrudgingly acknowledged tonight his current record stands at 498-236. Tampa Prep (10-1), ranked first in Class 2A, is highly favored Thursday night at home against Indian Rocks Christian, meaning the milestone could be attained Saturday at home against 14-1 Berkeley Prep (No. 1 in 3A).
"I'll very excited when it does happen," Fenlon said, "but this is a huge thing Saturday. I want it to be about the kids. It can be about me later on."
Fenlon, in his 25th season as Terrapins coach, took over a program devoid of tradition -- or even a home gym -- and helped transform it into a small-school power. Under Fenlon's watch, Tampa Prep has made 11 playoff appearances since 1994, and reached the state tournament four times.
The St. Petersburg Times High School Sports blog is written and compiled by the Times preps sports staff from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. We invite your participation in the comments area.
good luck coach.
Posted by: carmain | January 09, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Good luck to a classy coach who truly is a teacher of the game. You are a first class coach.
Posted by: Pitino | January 09, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Good luck, Coach!!!
Posted by: GoodLuck | January 09, 2008 at 07:44 PM