By Kyle LoJacono
Brian Wachtel has been picked as the fourth football coach in Land O’ Lakes High history. Gators athletic director Karen Coss confirmed the move Jan. 28.
Wachtel, 32, was Mitchell High’s coach the last two years, but was dismissed after last season. He was originally hired by current Gators principal Ric Mellin, who was at Mitchell before moving to Land O’ Lakes in 2009. Wachtel joined Land O’ Lakes as a varying exceptionalities instructor, someone who teaches special needs students, Jan. 24. As of Jan. 31 there had been no word on who any of Wachtel’s assistants would be.
Mellin said Wachtel was hired in part for his organizational skills and his character. He beat out nine other candidates, including former Gaither High coach Mark Kantor and former Wesley Chapel High and current Pasco High assistant Brian Colding.
Wachtel became the head coach for the Mustangs after the 2008 season when Scott Schmitz retired from the post. He compiled a 13-7 record at Mitchell, but never reached the playoffs in part because Land O’ Lakes, a district opponent, has a Pasco County record 14 straight postseason appearances.
Wachtel was also the defensive coordinator for three seasons at Ridgewood High before moving to Mitchell. He graduated from University of Nebraska-Keamey and was a linebacker on the football team.
The Land O’ Lakes job came open when former coach Matt Kitchie was relieved of his duties just before the winter break from school by Pasco School District Superintendent Heather Fiorentino. He had a 17-3 record with the Gators.
Kitchie, along with former defensive coordinator Jason Hatcher and former cheerleading coach Celisa Cook, were dismissed for the way they handled an off the field incident involving an unnamed student. They missed the Gators final two games last season, including a playoff contest, as did senior quarterback Stephen Weatherford.
Kitchie brought a high-powered spread offense to Land O’ Lakes, which averaged 248.1 passing yards and 38.3 points per game in 2010.
Wachtel has historically had a run-heavy offense, but the ground game was an afterthought for the Gators the last two years. Weatherford was the Gators leading rusher last season with 476 yards and a team-high eight scores. Ryan Lane had the most rushing yards for a running back with 290, but he is a senior.
-All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.
