Big Shoes to Fill
New coaches describe expectations, reasons for filling coaching spot
Volleyball, boys’ track and field, boys’ basketball and wrestling will all be under new leadership for the 2017-18 school year.
These teams welcome Jay Burns (Boys’ Track), Jeremy Carter (Wrestling), Vanja Todorovic (Volleyball) and Joe Willis (Boys’ Basketball).
Burns, formerly a member of both the football and track coaching staff at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, hopes to create a larger interest in his sport among students.
“We’ve got to get some athletes out there,” Burns said. “Create an interest in track and field”.
Carter, a former Marine who coached wrestling in Michigan for eight years, comes ready to face the challenge of a new tournament structure that adds a team component to the sport.
“That takes a new kind of team,” he said. “It takes a team that’s solid and balanced … and can go out there and perform for something more than themselves”.
Todorovic, who has coached volleyball for over 15 years for several club teams, is excited to be at the helm of such a storied team.
“The bar has been set high by Coach Margeaux,” Todorovic said. “[I plan to] create a sustainable program that will produce hard workers on and off the court”.
Members of the team have nothing but praise for the new coach.
“I think he’s going to be a great coach and he’s going to push us to our limit,” said Eve Larkin sophomore.
Willis brings eleven years of high school coaching experience, in addition to six years working as an assistant with college programs, to the basketball team. Plant won the county summer league, but Willis is sure to remind his athletes of their commitment to school.
“Behave and do well in your classes,” Willis said. “If you are dedicated to academics you will show good focus and work ethic on the court”.
All of these coaches are pleased to be working at a school they admire.
“There’s a great energy… Everyone is shaking hands, smiling,” Burns said.
“It’s the best high school in Hillsborough County,” Willis said.
“I always admired the Plant program, with its rich history and tradition,” Todorovic said.
