Springstead coach told to step down

After a review of all supplemental coaching positions, Lionel Thornton's basketball contract was not renewed by principal Dot Dodge.

By GREG AUMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 16, 2000

Lionel Thornton, who coached Springstead's girls tennis, basketball and volleyball programs for a combined 35 seasons, won't be a part of the Eagles' coaching staff this fall.

It's the first time in 20 years that the 54-year-old won't be coaching at Springstead, and Thornton said the decision to step down wasn't his choice.

Thornton, who served as Springstead's girls tennis coach from 1981-99, was planning on returning for his 13th season directing the Eagles' volleyball program and for his fifth year running the girls basketball program. But all supplemental coaching positions are reviewed each year, and Thornton said that principal Dot Dodge told him that his basketball contract would not be renewed.

Dodge said the change was "kind of a decision we made together," but Thornton disagreed, saying it was "her decision" and declined further comment.

Thornton accepted a promotion to become head of the guidance department at Springstead, but said that was not a factor in the coaching change.

He said he could have continued as volleyball coach, but has decided against it.

"It's a situation that I don't want to get into because of the way it was handled, so I have to let it go," Thornton said. "When you're not in charge, you just go with the flow."

Thornton directed the girls basketball team to an 11-14 record last season, finishing last in the seven-team Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.

He has been replaced by Lt. Col. Whit Campbell, a 54-year-old former Air Force pilot who directs the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Springstead and who also was the Eagles' junior varsity girls coach last season.

Dodge said the volleyball position has not been officially filled, but said that assistant coach Steve Davey, an English teacher at Springstead, is a "possibility." Springstead finished last season with a 9-19 record under Thornton. Neither Davey nor Campbell could be reached for comment Friday.

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