Don't fuss over it
Tom Bostic enters 25th season.
By BOB PUTNAM
Published August 29, 2007
Tom Bostic would like to fade from view.
That way there would be none of those invasive questions from reporters trying to tunnel under his reserve and unearth some sense of satisfaction.
How do you feel?
No, the Clearwater coach would give anything to avoid what this season has become ... an uppercase event.
BOSTIC ENTERS 25th SEASON.
The milestone is a tribute to his career.
Does he enjoy it?
He would be the last one to say it.
Bostic would rather keep the focus on the game. He does not want a spectacle.
That's why Bostic has given the ultimate poker face when asked about his silver anniversary with the program.
"Twenty-five years, huh," Bostic said.
The achievement has not been a big deal at school because no one knows about it. Bostic has not said anything.
"I really didn't even know I had that many years at the school," he said.
Bostic came to Florida in 1979 and worked as head coach at Boca Ciega. He stayed there for three seasons before deciding to transfer to be an assistant for Clearwater coach John Nicely in 1982.
A year later, Bostic was named head coach.
He has never left.
"It's strange how quickly time flies by," Bostic said.
The long haul
County coaches with the longest tenure
Phil Hayford, Shorecrest 29 (1979-present)
Jerry Austin, Northeast 28 (1979-2006)
Nathanial Brown, Gibbs 25 (1939-63)
Tom Bostic, Clearwater 25 (1983-present)
Sam Roper, Seminole 23 (1985-present)
Earle Brown, Clearwater 21 (1958-78)
Fred Robinson, Seminole 20 (1962-82)
Through the years
Tom Bostic's year-by-year record
1983 9-2
1984 6-4
1985 7-4
1986 2-8
1987 5-5
1988 10-1
1989 5-5
1990 9-2
1991 9-2
1992 9-2
1993 4-6
1994 8-2
1995 8-3
1996 5-6
1997 5-6
1998 8-4
1999 8-4
2000 5-5
2001 3-7
2002 5-6
2003 5-7
2004 5-5
2005 2-8
2006 4-6
146-110
Timeline
1985
Clearwater was back in the district fight, facing the Packers on the season's last day. Clearwater fell behind 21-0, caught up to 21-14, but eventually lost 29-22. Largo won the district, Clearwater finished second at 7-4.
1988
Clearwater played district favorite Sarasota Riverview evenly. But the Tornadoes made too many mistakes on Riverview's only scoring drive. Clearwater reached the Rams' 22 with 28 seconds left, but could get no closer in a 7-0 loss. Riverview won the district and finished second in the state. Clearwater finished 10-1.
1992
Clearwater finally had a breakthrough against district nemesis Riverview, beating the Rams 24-23 in overtime. Tornadoes quarterback Phillip Nash, who went on to play for Syracuse, had a hand in each score, including a pass for a two-point conversion to win the game.e_SClB1995
Bostic gets in the playoffs for the first time as a district champion. That starts a six-year postseason streak.
2003
Clearwater advanced to the Class 5A region semifinals and stayed with state power Venice for three quarters before losing 27-22.