SIG: FOOTBALL
In the wake of a disastrous 1-9 season, Central High announced on Monday that it would not renew Cliff Lohrey as its head football coach.
“It is unpleasant for me to have to make this announcement,” Central Athletic Director Jeff Spivey said in a statement released via email. “Coach Lohrey has done an outstanding job through incredible adversity.
“While the last two seasons have been disappointing, Coach Lohrey has persevered and set an example for his athletes of work ethic, loyalty and sportsmanship. He is a fixture here away from football, and his presence, should he choose to leave Central, will be sorely missed.
“I personally wish Cliff nothing but the best, and I am convinced that his services will be needed and appreciated as he looks to continue his coaching career.
“Our new principal, Mr. Joe Clifford, and I will begin the search for Coach Lohrey’s replacement immediately after the holidays.”
Spivey deferred to the press release when reached for further comment. However, he did confirm that Lohrey will finish out this season as girls weightlifting coach, a post he has held the past seven years.
Lohrey, still a physical education teacher at the school, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Clifford was unavailable at his office at J.D. Floyd Elementary, where he remains the principal until officially taking over at Central for Dennis McGeehan following Christmas break.
Brought on as an assistant under John Wilkinson in 2003, Lohrey spent time as defensive backs coach, special teams coordinator and defensive coordinator before becoming headman in April 2006.
He got his head coaching career off to a terrific start, leading the Bears to an 8-3 mark and Class 4A, District 8 championship.
But the graduation of running back DuJuan Harris, among other gradual personnel losses, led to a precipitous fall in wins.
Central went 6-4 in 2007 and 4-6 in 2008, receiving a forfeit win over Nature Coast in the latter campaign.
The Bears’ lone victory this past season also came by way of forfeit, thanks to Ocala-West Port’s use of an ineligible player in a game the Wolf Pack won 19-0 on Oct. 9.
Compounding a roster already short on depth were season-ending injuries to quarterback Artie Gartner and running back Steven Read.
Lohrey finished his four-year run at Central with a 19-22 record and two county championships to go along with the one district crown.
BY THE NUMBERS: CLIFF LOHREY
Year Record
2006 8-3*
2007 6-4
2008 4-6
2009 1-9
TOTAL 19-22
* Denotes district championship
