New head football coach for Booker introduced

Carlos Woods, the new head football coach for Booker High School, was introduced to players, faculty and parents, Tuesday, June 26, inside the weight room at Booker High School.

Dr. Rachel Shelley, Booker principal, and Athletic Director Rod Dragash, along with a committee, narrowed down the 75 applicants to eight finalists before offering Woods the job. Shelley and Dragash both noted that Woods’ references were “outstanding.”

“He is what is best for both our students and for the school,” said Shelley.

Woods Skyped in from New Jersey to introduce himself. He talked about his vision for the 2012-2013 season and answered questions.

Woods expressed student expectations on and off the field and the importance of maintaining good grades and scoring well on the ACTs and SATs. On the field, he said that the motto for this year would be, “A Season for Challenge,” and he plans to bring some impressive coaching staff on-board.

Samuel Hicks, 16, senior linebacker, asked his new coach what he will expect from the seniors, as well as how he would help those hoping to pursue college football careers. Woods response to the seniors was he wanted “them to finish on a high note.”

“I feel really good and I’m excited to go to work,” said Hicks about his new coach. “He already inspired me to want to work hard.”

“It should be fun and nice to have a new coach,” said Joel Lerant, 17, senior running back. “We are going to go to the playoffs!”

Woods hopes to be in Sarasota by next week to start working with the team.