By Kyle LoJacono
Pasco football coach and longtime Dade City resident Tom McHugh was named the Pirates’ new athletic director on Sept. 8.
McHugh, who is also a physical education instructor at Pasco High, was hired in 2007 to lead the school’s football program after spending the previous eight years as the defensive coordinator at Wesley Chapel. During his first four years at the helm, McHugh has guided Pirates football to four district championships and a 41-10 record, the second most wins by a coach in program history.
McHugh’s football squad reached the Class 3A state final four in 2008. They are currently 3-0 this year, including a 39-6 victory over Sunshine Athletic Conference rival Land O’ Lakes on Sept. 9.
“Being a part of this football program has been a real joy for me,” McHugh said. “I’m excited to be a part of all the athletic teams at the school now as athletic director. I love coaching kids, and now I can be a part of helping all our student-athletes.”
Pasco assistant principal Norm Brown said McHugh’s success as a football coach was a big part in his selection, as was his connection to the community.
“He knows everything about this area and is very knowledgeable about sports,” Brown said. “He has the trust of everyone here. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to replace Jim Ward.”
Ward resigned as the Pasco athletic director on Aug. 25, citing a desire to spend more time on his personal life. Ward remains an instructor at Pasco, and also as the wide receivers coach on McHugh’s football staff.
