South Lake football coach Mark Woolum steps down after nine seasons

GROVELAND — After each of his previous 26 years as a football coach, Mark Woolum spent every offseason longing for the upcoming season.

Not so after the 27th.

Citing the wear and tear of coaching and maintaining a football program, Woolum announced this week he has stepped down after nine seasons as head coach at South Lake. The longest-tenured head coach in Lake County, Woolum steps away with a 40-40 record.

Woolum’s overall record does not include a 1-9 mark in 2017, which included forfeits because administrators failed to pick up on eligibility issues while processing paperwork.

“It’s time for a break,” Woolum said Thursday. “I don’t think people realize just how much of a grind coaching is and I just wasn’t looking forward to next season, like I had every other season. It wouldn’t be right for me, for the football players at South Lake or the school for me to coach another season.

“This school, this community and these student-athletes deserve to have someone wanting to give their all to the program and after 27 years of coaching football, I’m simply burned out.”

Woolum said he is excited for the change. He is married with two daughters – one a student at the University of Central Florida and another at South Lake – and expects to be able to spend more time with his family.

And also use the opportunity to take in a few games involving his alma mater, Eastern Kentucky University.

“I’m not saying I’m done with coaching,” said Woolum. “I may be; I may not. Time will tell, but I plan to be a family man and football fan next season.”

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Woolum has played a role in the growth of football in South Lake County during his career. Before becoming head coach at South Lake in 2012, he served stints as an assistant at South Lake from 1999 until 2003 before moving on to East Ridge 2004, where he was an offensive coordinator under Bud O’Hara.

During his time at East Ridge, the Knights evolved into one of the top offensive programs in Central Florida, achieving a No. 1 state ranking in 2005.

After taking over at South Lake – his first head coaching position – Woolum directed the Eagles to records of .500 or better in four seasons, including an 8-3 mark in 2014. South Lake advanced to the postseason four times during Woolum’s tenure – 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2020.

In addition, he coached some of the area’s top offensive players, including Kelley Joiner Jr., who ran for more than 1,000 yards in three straight seasons, including 2,241 yards in 2017.  He also mentored quarterback Baylee Heuser, who passed for more than 2,000 yards in 2018, the same season he coaxed 72 receptions of out receiver Joey Pendarvis.

“Probably the thing I’m going to miss most are the relationships with the players,” said Woolum. “I’ve been blessed to have 27 years of influence – not just football – on the young men I’ve had the good fortune to coach. I’ve heard from 50 or 60 former players who wanted to talk since word got out I was stepping down.

“I held things together pretty well when I told our current group of players during workouts. But, when I was speaking to one former player – Buck Solomon (who earned a scholarship to Eastern Kentucky) – it got emotional for me when he said I couldn’t retire because ‘who’s going to coach the next Buck Solomon?’ That’s when you realize you had a positive influence on a young person’s life.”

South Lake Athletic Director Travis Alderink said school administrators and athletic directors will meet Friday to formulate a plan for hiring Woolum’s replacement. The position had not been advertised on the Florida High School Athletic Association website as of Thursday afternoon.

Even though he is stepping away from the sidelines, Woolum plans to remain on the faculty at South Lake, where teaches Physical Education.

“I will not walk out on my school,” Woolum said. “I plan to be a servant to the school, our students and our community for years to come.”

That dedication to South Lake and its students is what Alderink said will define Woolum’s coaching legacy.

“We are very thankful for Mark’s contributions to South Lake High School, both on and off the field,” Alderink said. “I’ve always been impressed with Coach Woolum’s leadership and dedication to his players. That is evident with so many of his former players reaching out this past week. His commitment to developing our young boys into future professionals, fathers and husbands is second to none.

Alderink continued: “He will be remembered for these traits in addition to being our winningest football coach in South Lake’s history.”