Armwood’s Callahan takes vacation from coaching by coaching

Posted Dec 29, 2011 by Bill Ward

Updated Dec 29, 2011 at 04:12 PM

After an exhausting 15-game season and a state championship in Class 6A, you would think Armwood head football coach Sean Callahan would want a break. But the Hawks’ head man is spending a good part of his holiday doing what he always does – coach.

Callahan is in Phoenix as party of the coaching staff of the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl game, one of three high school all-star games taking place across the country during the early part of the new year.

The Semper Fidelis event, being played at Chase Field, is sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps. It joins the U.S. Army All-American game (Jan. 7 in San Antoio, Texas) and the Under Armour All-American Game (next Thursday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg) as contests featuring some of the country’s top senior prep players.

So why spend part of your vacation doing what appears to be work?

“It’s a chance to be around some great coaches and some great kids,” Callahan said from Phoenix. “And it’s a chance to go somewhere I’ve never been before.”

There are no Tampa Bay-area players are on the East or West rosters but there are seven Floridians, including four-star recruit Donaldven Manning of Miami Central, the team Armwood defeated for the 6A crown. Callahan is joined on the Semper Fidelis staff by Central’s head coach, Telly Lockette.

Callahan is quick to point out that as a position coach (wide receivers) for the Semper Fidelis game, it’s a lot more relaxing than being a head coach.

“As a position coach, my job is pretty easy,” said Callahan. “I don’t have to worry about every little thing. All I have to care of are my receivers.”

Athletes for the game are currently arriving in Phoenix and the first practice session is Friday. The game will be carried live on the CBS Sports Network.