Booker High School announced hiring former USF quarterback Lance Hoeltke as its new football coach on July 29 on its social media platforms.
Hoeltke replaces former coach Carlos Woods, who was dismissed on July 16, after going 12-2 in his first season. Sarasota County Schools is investigating an active complaint against Woods as Hoeltke takes the helm.
Hoeltke takes over a program that has reached a state semifinal each of the last three season but has seen 21 players transfer since Woods was removed from the program.
"As we begin this exciting new chapter, we are committed to building more than a successful football program," Booker wrote in its Facebook post. "Together, we will continue to build a culture rooted in academic excellence, character,
discipline, accountability, and opportunity for every student athlete."
Booker hasn't practiced yet this season, but plans to start during the first week of August despite practice officially starting on Monday, July 27. The Tornadoes opening game is on Friday, August 21, against four-time champion Venice at home.
Booker principal Jamal Crook said in a news release, “We want to build an outstanding football program and outstanding students, leaders and young men. Coach Hoeltke shares that vision.
“Coach Hoeltke has been part of building something from the ground up before. Successful programs are built through standards, structure, relationships, and daily accountability.”
Hoeltke was a quarterback and team captain for the 1997 University of South Florida football team. He earned a Bachelors in marketing and an MBA from USF.
He coached at Christian Academy of Louisville, contributing to Kentucky Class 2A state championships in 2016 and 2018. He also served as offensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Kentucky Country Day School, helping secure a Class 1A state championship game appearance in 2020.
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Booker names Lance Hoeltke football coach to replace Carlos Woods
