Story
Pope John Paul football coach Chris Kokell to take over at Forest Hill
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
by
Joseph Kairlalla
Chris Kokell, the head football coach at Pope John Paul II the past two seasons, confirmed on Tuesday that he was taking the same position at Forest Hill High School.
Kokell, 31, said he wants to help turn around the FCAT scores at Forest Hill as much as he wants to turn around the fortunes of a football program that has struggled for the better part of two decades. Last season Forest Hill beat Spanish River to snap a 38-game losing streak — the state's longest active high school losing streak at the time.
Kokell began coaching at Pope John in 2008 and struggled his first year, going 1-9. The team improved to 5-5 last year.
Prior to his time at Pope John Paul, Kokell, a native New Yorker, served as an assistant coach at Boca Raton.
"Being a teacher has always come first to me and I certainly want to help this school get to where they need to be in the FCAT," said Kokell, who will begin teaching math in August. "But at the same time, there's 2,000 kids (at Forest Hill) so I know there are some talented football players here."
Kokell replaces Lamar Powell, who was arrested in December because of an outstanding warrant from Leon County that dated back to 1988. Forest Hill Principal Mayra Stafford said the arrest and circumstances surrounding it played no part in Powell's dismissal.
"This decision was all about our program going in a new direction, a winning direction," Stafford said. "(Kokell's) been in the position of rebuilding programs before and we have a lot of confidence in him."
Kokell added that while he loved every minute of his time at Pope John Paul, he wouldn't have taken the Forest Hill job if he didn't think success was possible.
"We're looking forward to winning," he said.
.
User Comments:
1 3 commented on April 6, 2010 at 9:35 p.m.: report abuse
coach k, u know who this is, you was like a father to me i loved every second i played for you and you helped me realize my potential when i really didnt think i had any, i wish you and your new program nothing but the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"controlled choas"
ray commented on April 7, 2010 at 11:37 a.m.: report abuse
have fun.
Coach SP commented on April 7, 2010 at 2:07 p.m.: report abuse
Theres gotta be more to the story!!! Was he not a teacher at Pope??? Thats the only way I can see this making any sense. Who in their right mind would want to leave a coaching position anywhere for a head coach job at a school where winning isn't really an option. Lets be real, and I mean no dis-respect to Forest Hill, but kidding aside, Forest Hill isnt going to turn into a powerhouse anytime soon (or likely ever, 1 win next year would be cause for celebration) so whats the real story behind it???
Paul commented on April 7, 2010 at 7:58 p.m.: report abuse
smh
ray commented on April 8, 2010 at 6:19 a.m.: report abuse
Why? Where is he going to make more money? Pope Paul will not let anyone bring in those kind of athletes to let you win. This is a case of a low grade coach jumping on a opportunity. Coaching jobs in general are filled by a needs only rationale. If this was Texas (for example) he would be lucky to coach jr. high football. I have coached in Texas (both at high school , and Univ. ) However, if he is good to the kids the end justifys the means. Forest hill is not a football power, nor will it ever be. A great district would include Forest Hill, Spanish River, Inlet Grove, and Donna Kline. Inlet Grove has the edge.
If you wish to discuss football I have a chalk board, or are you afraid?
concered about the programs at pope ? commented on April 8, 2010 at 8:23 a.m.: report abuse
ask the AD at Pope John Paul II what the real story is he let the girls basketball coach , the Boys basketball coach, the girls soocer coach, the boys baseball coach , now the football coach go is there anyone I missed? maybe you should start to look there for answers!!!
Butch commented on April 8, 2010 at 9:28 a.m.: report abuse
Hey Ray, Why so much hostility ??? Do you have a little man complex or something ?? I would love to meet you for a chalkboard session. I might be able to teach you a thing or two. Why would a big time high grade Texas coach like you be on this message board about Pope and Forest Hill. How the mighty have fallen, eh Ray??
Bottom line is that teaching at a Public school pays more and has better benefits than Pope. Guy sounds like he just enjoys teaching and coaching kids. Have fun win or lose. Good luck Coach K.
Coach G commented on April 8, 2010 at 12:39 p.m.: report abuse
People are saying that Forest Hill is not a football power house nor will it ever be. I will disagree with the later. How can that be said, there is 2000 students at Forest Hill. It takes someone going in there and working with students to get them eligible. When they have the grades, then give them an avenue to keep those grades up. I was at Forest Hill in 1985 when the school was a real football power house. It can happen again, put a good coach in the position and give it a chance. Good Blessings to the coach and the program.
ray commented on April 8, 2010 at 2:05 p.m.: report abuse
Well Butch I am retired, and I haven't fallen. Time, and place Butch, and lets chalk in front of other coaches.
Your Right commented on April 8, 2010 at 3:03 p.m.: report abuse
except I don't coach, have a son that played though!
kingbo commented on April 8, 2010 at 3:16 p.m.: report abuse
To all, I played pro ball in Canada, and often attend high school games in the area. There are a lot of great athletes, however not coaches. Some teams have coaches, but no athletes. I often sit with Ray. Ray was a highly qualified coach who I wish would volunteer his time. I will give Butch (if he seps up to the challenge) $5,000 if he wins a chalk board match. If not Butch you owe me $5,000. Lets make arrangements.
PJ commented on April 8, 2010 at 4:13 p.m.: report abuse
Struggled his first year? What about this year? haha. Watching the games this year, let's just say without the other coaches his team wouldn't of got where they did. GL football players at FHS. You'll definitely need it!
James Talerico commented on April 8, 2010 at 9:53 p.m.: report abuse
I too loved playing for Coach Kokell this year. He genuinely cared for his players and without him I'm not sure I'd be going to Yale next year... He told me I had the talent to play at the next level but I didn't believe him until he dragged me to a few football camps this summer, and then everything took off from there. Thanks for the memories Coach and good luck at FH.
James Talerico
Butch commented on April 9, 2010 at 8:02 a.m.: report abuse
Ray, Bru's Room Boynton Beach...next Friday night 8pm ?? I have a smart board on which we can diagram plays. I can reserve an area for us and those who'd like to watch. If you'd rather, I have a laptop with a program that will allow us to chalk talk. The program will even give feedback as to the feasability of what we discuss. Just to be fair I will briefly give you my credentials: High School: Head Varsity Coach in Western Pennsylvania 5 years, assistant secondary coach under John Sandusky at Penn State 7 years, Defensive Coordinator Albany Firebirds of Arena Football League 3 years, Assistant Scouting coordinator and game film coordinator Philadelphia Eagles 2 years. I too am retired . Should be fun !!! Kingbo, let's make it $ 1000.00. I will donate it to charity after you give it to me and let you have the receipt for tax purposes. How will we declare a winner Kingbo? Can you be impartial with your $$$on the line ???
Coach T commented on April 9, 2010 at 8:19 a.m.: report abuse
I love how the Post tried to make this story about the FCAT and not about coaching football. Two years ago I coached FH and I coach some great KIDS and I love every minute of it. One of the problems I see with FH that is was no support from the Administration and the AD was not a sports person. Two year ago was the first time FH had full coaching staff and Coach Powell did a great job with the kids. You can ask any team FH played in the pass two was there a different about those teams. Coach Kokell I do not know you but you can win at FH with the right support and the parents are great at FH. You do not have to the best football player to be a coach but a person that is willing to learn from others. I think FH need to open the athletic department for a nationwide search for coaches and stop getting people you know.
Coach T commented on April 9, 2010 at 8:26 a.m.: report abuse
@ Butch if you really going to be at the Bru's Room Boynton Beach...next Friday night 8pm I will be there. I would like to board talk with someone like you and learn what you know. We need more season coaches will to teach the young coaches the way.
concerned about the programs at Pope commented on April 9, 2010 at 9:08 a.m.: report abuse
Start to look at the A.D at Pope you will see the real truth about whats going on !!!
kingbo commented on April 9, 2010 at 12:57 p.m.: report abuse
Wow Butch, You have impressive credentials. Poor us. I only played in Edmonton for 7 years, and also at Pitt for 4. Western Pa I am familiar with. I played at West Scranton .However, Ray ;Def. co-ordinator Odessa Permian, D-line coach Texas Tech under Spike Dykes, Def. Co-or Noth Texas State under Corkey N. Asst. coach Katy High under Mike J. played for Joe K. Phila Eg. Dallas under Tom. L.
Coached 4 years in Europe. Pick your topic. We LIVE IN BROWARD, BUT LOVE TO TRAVEL No I like $5,000.
Butch commented on April 9, 2010 at 2:01 p.m.: report abuse
Kingbo , if you insist on $ 5,000.00 lets not do it in a public setting. Not really sure I wnat to get arrested for gambling or be jacked up in a Boynton Beach bar parking lot for 5 grand. Give me a way to contact you and it's on !!! I can travel to Broward too. I'll buy the beer , you bring the Wings Pretty impressive playing credentials Kingbo, not sure they stand up to my stint in the NFL or career at Michigan State as an O lineman.
kingbo commented on April 9, 2010 at 2:02 p.m.: report abuse
butch, are you still there?
kingbo commented on April 9, 2010 at 2:04 p.m.: report abuse
Butch, $5,000, we will be there. There is no jack up anywhere.
Butch commented on April 9, 2010 at 2:19 p.m.: report abuse
Be where???
kingbo commented on April 9, 2010 at 5:23 p.m.: report abuse
Butch who did you play for at Michagan state? We know who you are.
kingbo commented on April 9, 2010 at 5:25 p.m.: report abuse
the down beat in Ft. Lauderdale
Butch commented on April 9, 2010 at 11:59 p.m.: report abuse
So Ray is this what you want to do ?? I've heard fron Kingbo but not you. Down Beat Friday 8pm ??? I'm game.
willie makit commented on April 10, 2010 at 9:10 a.m.: report abuse
I am a graduate of PJP and I do not understand what the heck is going on at PJP Why is the athletic director firing all these coaches ? boys Basketball former D I coach boys soccer coach state championship coach . girls soccer state finalist it goes on and on .From what I have heard and seen this guy Kokell is no loss , all the people say he was totally lost and immature .the kids ran the school and could not take his coaches input
Edwin Pollock commented on April 10, 2010 at 11:54 p.m.: report abuse
I am a forest hill football player and to be honest we go through more than any other team in the world, im not using it as an excuse but when you have administration trying to make changes every year and on athletes backs about even playing. From first hand experience it is hard to be a falcon football player and nobody would know that better than me and my team, nobodys been put through years of the loses and witnessed our own administrations hatred for our football program and the only reason why i say program is because the progress of coach Powell. Coach Powell and his staff didnt even get payed half the time to be with us, I love every single one of them they raised me to be the athlete i am today. Coach K no disrespect but i want my old coach back, our administration is so screwed up they allowed coach powell to build us up untill our senior year and then let him go. Seniors this year have had a new head coach every year except the past two coach Powell Was here and administration has the nerve to try and tell us its the best for us? Administration doesnt even know half our names, they dont know our struggles, the especially dont know that changes every year wont help, an empire isnt built over night ,and they really dont know much about anything. How could expect us to get better over 2 years when all you did was hassle coach powell about trying to help us get better? That man gave us everything so im going to atleast give him this, hes the best thing that ever happened to Forest Hill Football! Along with coach trent and coach moreland. They are the best chance we had and like i said before the administration is against us so they kill everything we work for, we deserve better, the school deserves better, especially our community, and everyone needs to notice Forest hill's problems are way deeper than coaches and players. How can you expect a winning effort and confidence when whenever we start doing things the right way and they find a way to set us back every year! No matter what anybodys says you'll never know what we go through, its time for our community and fellow communities to realize you cant judge us, you cant even imagine what we go through! Its time somebody stepped up and help us instead of putting us down! You think you know when you have no idea.......... Instead of talking so much trash why dont you take a closer look? -Edwin Pollock Upcoming Senior RB/SS
kingbo commented on April 11, 2010 at 2:32 p.m.: report abuse
Butch where were you?
kingbo commented on April 11, 2010 at 2:39 p.m.: report abuse
Hey butch, Ray will not say. He played 4 years at ASU under Frank Kush. He also played for Dallas, and has a super bowl ring. I know that doesn't make him a great coach. You just have to look at Boca High. Butch we know who you really are. Ray, and I like to travel all over Fl. to see high school games. Ray sees better coaching in n.fl, but better athletes in S. fl. Forest Hill has neither. You have to change boundries. The other problem is that coaches cannot bring in asst. coaches. Butch, are you really a shoe salesman, or are you a assistant at a Northern Palm beach school?
kingbo commented on April 11, 2010 at 2:46 p.m.: report abuse
To Edwin Pollock. I agree with you about the whole situation. Stay, and fight the fight. Your administration does not care about athletics, as they do not see the value. We do. The way the state of Florida is going I do not belive that sports in general will survive. It will be club teams, and kids will not learn anything except to win at all costs. There is hope, as you get to be a adult. Vote, and get rid of those who do not care. Good luck. Butch do not reply.
Butch commented on April 11, 2010 at 3:14 p.m.: report abuse
Just what I thought Kingbo, you and /or Ray are pretenders. Yeah , I'm a shoe salesman if that helps you....so when are we getting together to talk football big man....sounds like you are just playing games...oh well come watch a Dwyer game with me next year and I'll point some things out to you while I watch my grandson go for ring # 2
kingbo commented on April 12, 2010 at 4:35 a.m.: report abuse
Butch no repeat for Dwyer. Jack Daniels has a good staff. We were there you weren't.
Butch commented on April 12, 2010 at 10:15 a.m.: report abuse
Kingbo you are such a chickens*&$ . I have been at every Dwyer game for 3 years. You have no idea who I am nor does it seem you really want to know.I guess you and you're buddy Ray can't handle a battle of football wits. I am sure area coaches would get together if we donated that 5 grand you would lose to their football programs. We could do it at Dwyer if you are for real.
Russ commented on April 12, 2010 at 10:50 a.m.: report abuse
Butch, I know Ray, and kingbo. You can't miss kingbo he is 6'7' and probably 340.
Ray is about 6'1", and 255. I see them at various games. Ray usually sits up top with binoculars, and him and kingbo drink a soda. They are not chicken s. So you can identify them. Ray usually wears a old ASU hat. They are not hard to see.
Butch commented on April 12, 2010 at 8:34 p.m.: report abuse
great I'll look for them still wouldn't mind doing the chalk talk challenge ...I'm only 6'3" 250 10 % body fat
Butch commented on April 12, 2010 at 8:34 p.m.: report abuse
great I'll look for them still wouldn't mind doing the chalk talk challenge ...I'm only 6'3" 250 10 % body fat
Angelo commented on April 13, 2010 at 9:14 a.m.: report abuse
Russ, I think Ray is more like 270. I saw them last week in Miami (FIU) I believe they were making their usual spring training rounds.
J G #3 and T L #7 commented on April 13, 2010 at 1:42 p.m.: report abuse
This is Joe Grosso and Troy Lieb. We played for Coach Kokell for 2 years while he coached at Pope John Paul II. He turned the program around drastically in a short period of time and we have no doubt he will do the same at FH. Not just more wins but the general attitude of the team was greatly changed. I know you guys there might be reluctant at first to adapt to the change but he is a great coach and an even better guy. He will put in the hours and do anything he can to get his players to the next level. This past year he sent 3 kids to play division 1 football. I have seen kids go through pope with plenty of talent to play college ball but didn't because nobody knew about them. We can easily say he was the best coach that we played for and the reason we stayed at pope for our senior year. We also repped the point together. Best of luck to you coach and the guys at FH just put in the hard work and everything will play out.
High School Official commented on April 15, 2010 at 2:02 p.m.: report abuse
Just heard that Autry Denson was named the new head coach of PJPII.
Fan of the Miami Dolphins commented on April 21, 2010 at 10:17 p.m.: report abuse
I love the Miami Dolphins! Autry Denson will be a great replacement! (he played for the dolphins for all you bo-zos out there(just kidding):)) I don't really keep up with high school football though so it doesn't matter to me. BTW if you like the Hurricanes then, wow, you are a double bo-zo! I am just kidding you are great. I don't care what team you like. Doesn't matter. Whatever. Go Autry!
Hurricanes Rule!!! commented on April 21, 2010 at 10:18 p.m.: report abuse
I like the Hurricanes. :P uhh...... I have ADHD whatever 'dat is so ya....
Daniel Senatus commented on May 19, 2010 at 8:08 p.m.: report abuse
MAN I JUS HOPE I GO TO COLLEGE PLAYING AT FOREST HILL......IMA PLAY MY HEART OUT EVERY GAME!!! HOPE WE DO GOOD.....
hooher tod commented on September 13, 2011 at 7:49 p.m.: report abuse
Yes there should realize the reader to RSS my feed to RSS commentary, quite simply
Bristol Airport Hotels commented on April 20, 2012 at 3:02 a.m.: report abuse
uyrVXx I cannot thank you enough for the article.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
Cheap Seo Services commented on July 9, 2012 at 8:21 p.m.: report abuse
HuOIuq Major thankies for the blog.Thanks Again.
cheap seo services commented on September 20, 2012 at 5:07 a.m.: report abuse
q6W2Ja Looking forward to reading more. Great post.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
crork commented on September 21, 2012 at 12:53 a.m.: report abuse
suCkdh I appreciate you sharing this blog article. Really Great.
cheap bookmarking service commented on October 19, 2012 at 1:48 p.m.: report abuse
TF8ng4 Say, you got a nice blog.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
weight loss pills commented on February 1, 2013 at 9:11 a.m.: report abuse
kfAD18 Very informative blog post.Really thank you! Fantastic.
buy clomid no prescription commented on February 28, 2013 at 6:32 p.m.: report abuse
ZojWFW I really like and appreciate your article post.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
social bookmarking service commented on April 19, 2013 at 9:16 a.m.: report abuse
XBZX10 I really like and appreciate your post.Really thank you! Awesome.
camera buying guide commented on May 14, 2013 at 4:46 a.m.: report abuse
qLGzQP Really enjoyed this blog article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Add Your Comment:
We'd like your thoughts on this topic. I appreciate your willingness to share them. We want to avoid comments that are obscene, hateful, racist or otherwise inappropriate. If you post offensive comments, we will delete them as soon as we can. If you see such comments, please flag them to notify us. -- Tim Burke, Publisher and Executive Editor, The Palm Beach Post