After one varsity season, the coach wants to pursue other opportunities.
By JOEL POILEY
Published November 20, 2003
TAMPA PALMS - Freedom coach Jarrett Laws resigned Wednesday, citing an interest in pursuing opportunities with an established program.
Second-year Freedom recently concluded its first varsity season at 1-9. The Patriots went 3-5 last season playing a modified junior-varsity and varsity schedule.
This year's record had no bearing on his decision, Laws said.
"At this time I've taken the Freedom program as far as I can take it and I served my purpose, which was to build a strong foundation that is going to stand for a long time," Laws said. "It's standing on discipline, character and commitment.
"Wins and losses will come for this program. But they needed somebody to come in and establish what the program will stand for, and I think my staff and I have done that."
Laws, 28, came to Freedom from Wharton, where he was an offensive coordinator. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Sickles.
One of the things that wore on the energetic Laws was assuming the JV position during the middle of this season after that coach left.
"I feel like my growth is extending me beyond the parameters of Freedom," said Laws, who teaches exceptional student education (ESE) social studies and will remain through the school year. "I feel like there are other opportunities I need to be trying to get toward. As young as I am, I want to explore new opportunities while I still have the energy and enthusiasm to put my hands on them well.
"This was my training ground. Each stop that I've had, whether it be Sickles or Wharton or Freedom, I'm always gaining something new that's taking me to the next point where I'm supposed to be."
Athletic Director Frank Oliver, who hired Laws, said he was surprised by Laws' decision. He said Laws would have been welcomed back, but more would have been expected on the field.
"Building a program is no piece of cake, there's a lot of work involved," Oliver said. "He handled the kids well; the team GPA is almost a 3.0. There were some games we should have won, I believe. In building a program you look for improvement. I can't say that I saw that."
Oliver said the search for a new coach would begin immediately.
