Catching on

Sophomore Michael Coonce amazes coaches and fans with his high-flying catches that made him one of the top receivers in the county. His grades are flying high, too.

By TERRY JONES

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 5, 2001

LUTZ -- When he leaves the ground to grab a pass in traffic, Michael Coonce often looks much bigger than any of his defensive opponents. Yet at 5 feet 7 and 139 pounds, the 15-year-old Lutz resident is one of the smallest players in the Wharton football lineup.

What the sophomore wide receiver lacks in stature, he makes up with hard work, determination and a smart attitude.

His leaping ability propels Coonce far above most of his 6-foot-plus opponents.

"When he was a freshman, I noticed how he showed no fear in going high for the ball, crossing the middle, in all kinds of traffic," said Wharton head coach Richard Wood. "You can teach a kid how to catch a ball and how to improve his running, but to put his body in danger, spread out and vulnerable to hard hitting tacklers, is something Michael has naturally."

Midway through the season, he has 17 receptions and is the second leading receiver in Hillsborough County.

"There is no use being afraid going high in the middle for a catch," Coonce said. "You are going to get hit even if you miss or drop the ball . . . so I focus to take advantage of each opportunity."

From the second- through the sixth-grade, he played in the Lutz Police Athletic League. In the seventh- and eighth-grade, he played with the Pasco Police Athletic League.

Last year, he was on the Wildcats junior varsity team, but moved up to varsity for the Homecoming game. A broken finger in that game ended his freshman season.

In the offseason, Coonce plays basketball and runs track.

"Basketball helps me improve my leaping skills and track helps me improve my running skills," he said.

Coonce is also naturally gifted in the classroom. He has a 3.5 grade point average and is taking honors courses.

Sheila Coonce is her son's No. 1 fan. Ms. Coonce works as a deputy/bailiff in the Hillsborough courthouse.

"She has never missed one of my games since the first one," Coonce said.

But his studies are mom's top priority.

"Michael and Coach Wood both know I won't hesitate one moment to pull him from football if his grades start to drop," she said. "Life beyond football requires a good education. Whether he plays football at the college level or not, I want him to get a college education. I am very proud of Michael. He is having fun in both sports and academics."

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