Pinellas Park track coach Stacey Simmons has left to take over the boys and girls program at Calvary Christian.
"I just wanted to try something different, expand my wings a little bit,” Simmons said. “This just seemed like a real good opportunity.”
Simmons was a standout in football and track at Dunedin and the University of Florida. As a Gator, he was an all-SEC performer and three-time NCAA All-American in track, breaking three school records.
In 1990, he was selected in the fourth round by Indianapolis in the NFL draft. After two seasons with the Colts, Simmons went on to play in the Canadian Football League and for five seasons (1995-99) with the Tampa Bay Storm, winning two league titles.
Simmons has coached track at Pinellas Park for 20 seasons, winning two district titles and qualifying numerous athletes for the state meet. He said he will continue to teach at Pinellas Park.
Simmons inherits a track program at Calvary that has been on the rise. The girls won a region team title in 2012 and was co-champion in the spring. The boys program had nine athletes who were state qualifiers.
“We are thankful to have Stacey Simmons on our coaching staff,” athletic director Darrell Don said. “His experience and knowledge will enable our athletes to improve their mechanics, technique and agility, which will improve their performance on the track and in the field.”