Dickens out as football coach at Strawberry Crest

Posted Jan 4, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Jan 4, 2012 at 09:56 PM

After one season as head football coach at Strawberry Crest High School, Gerold Dickens has been removed from the position, Dickens told the Tribune Wednesday night.

“We appreciate the opportunity and have decided to move on,” Dickens said. “Let’s just say one door closes and another one opens up.”

Dickens declined to say why his school’s administration asked him to resign as coach. He remains at the school as a physical education teacher. He said he met with Strawberry Crest athletic director Melvin Williams on Wednesday to learn of the school’s decision.

Last season, Strawberry crest went 1-9, with the Chargers’ lone win over 0-10 Leto. In late October, Dickens was suspended one game by school officials following an internal investigation for what principal David Brown called “inappropriate behavior” during a practice session. The incident involved a comment Dickens made to his squad.

Dickens said he plans to continue coaching but has not sought any positions elsewhere. He is a former Plant City High player and assistant coach, as well as a former standout for the University of Florida football team in the 1980s.

Dickens’ dismissal now creates six head football coaching vacancies among Hillsborough County’s public high schools. Strawberry Crest joins Blake, Brandon, Chamberlain, Lennard and Riverview as programs without a head coach.