The Coaches: Gadsden County and Sneads’ coaches aim to lead the Fall 2021 teams’ athletes to success and beyond

Sneads High School Football Head Coach: Bill Thomas

Bill Thomas is the head coach for the Sneads High School ‘Pirates’ Varsity football team.

Thomas has been the head coach for the Pirates for eight years, and last year, he led the Pirates to an impressive 9-3 record, making it to the final four in the 1A State championship, falling short in the semifinal round.

Prior to taking the position at Sneads, Thomas had spent the majority of his coaching career as an assistant coach at Arnold High School, located in Panama City; before Arnold, Thomas also led Apalachicola High School to two out of three winning seasons.

Since his arrival at Sneads, Thomas has been an active member in the community and shares a passion for kids in the classroom. Thomas is a physical education teacher and is the ninth-grade class sponsor for the Pirates.

Coach Thomas is married to Laura Thomas, a science teacher at Sneads. Their sons, Zach and Matt both play football. Zach is a graduating senior offensive lineman for the Pirates. Matt is the starting quarterback at Point University.

Robert F. Munroe High School Football Head Coach: Alex Lehky

Alex Lehky is the head football coach for the Robert F. Munroe High School varsity football team.

Lehky was raised in northern Michigan and he is a proud product of Petoskey High School, better known as “Northmen.”

After high school, the Michigan native would further his education in his home state. Lehky attended Michigan State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary social studies.

The Michigan State alum made his move to the sunshine state, taking a teaching position in Saint Petersburg in 2013. Lehky taught secondary social studies and coached their football team for over five years at Dixie Hollins High School.

Since taking over Robert F. Monroe football program, Lehky has expressed his passion and love for the community.

"I really do love it out here," said Lehky. "It's a great community, great support, and administration."

Gadsden County High School Football Head Coach: Corey Fuller

Corey Fuller is the head football coach for the Gadsden County High School football team.

Fuller was named the head coach of the Jaguars back in 2019 after spending two successful seasons at Amos P. Godby.

Fuller’s resume reflects his dedication and commitment to the game of football; Corey Fuller was a high profile and fearless defensive back for the late Bobby Bowden at Florida State University and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 1995 draft.

During his 10 years as an athlete in the National Football League (NFL), Fuller played among greats such as Steve McNair, Warren Sapp, and Curtis

Martin.

Since taking over as head coach, Coach Fuller has led the Gadsden Jaguars

to the 4A state semifinals twice.

His most recent playoff run was last season, where his team finished 6-2. Last season, Fuller was undefeated against in-state opponents.

The Tallahassee native has always been a vocal member in the surrounding Big Bend area. Growing up near Orange Avenue, the James S. Rickards alum is now a mentor, motivational speaker, and continually works in public outreach groups.

"Nobody will give us nothing," said Fuller as he spoke to his team on a trip to his childhood home. "We got to take what we want. You want to go to college? You want to get out of your situation?

“Work hard."

Head coach Spotlight clip published to: The Herald

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 Sports