By Kyle LoJacono
The Land O’ Lakes football stadium was officially renamed after the man who spent more time as the Gators’ coach than anyone.
The arena was dedicated John Benedetto Stadium before Land O’ Lakes’ home game against Sunlake Oct. 19.
Benedetto spent 32 years as the program’s coach. He compiled a 196-149 record, the most wins in Pasco County history, from 1977 to 2008.
The Gators had 18 winning seasons during that time with 17 playoff appearances, including a county-record 12 straight berths from 1996 to 2008 and two trips to the regional finals.
Benedetto was also a wide receivers coach at Land O’ Lakes in 1975 and 1976, the first two years the high school was open. Add in the years he spent coaching at Sanders Memorial Junior High, and he spent 38 years patrolling sidelines in Central Pasco.
“Tonight was such a great experience for me,” Benedetto said. “I’m just so overwhelmed, and I feel so honored. This community has made me feel very special, and not just special this evening. I’ve had 38 great years in this community, and I want to thank the entire community for giving me the opportunity to work with your kids for 38 years.”
A group of about 100 showed up two hours before the game to share a reception with Benedetto, and the stands were packed with fans during a pregame ceremony.
State Rep. Will Weatherford played for Benedetto and told the crowd how much his work meant to the community. He recounted how he was making bad decisions as a sophomore, and his former coach got him back on the right track.
“Coach Benedetto impacted so many people,” Weatherford said. “What you see tonight is a small microcosm of it. … What he did on the field is amazing, but what he did with people was even greater.”
—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker
