Who Is This Famous Central FL HS Coach? Inman Sherman/South Sumter

[OldSchoolLion]

This coach is arguably the most successful central FL hs coach to never win or share a state title.  Only a handful of central FL coaches, active or retired, won more games in their careers.

He spent over 30 consecutive years at one school and won over 250 games.  Led his teams to 17 district titles, one state title game appearance, and numerous state semi appearances.

Who is this famous man and where did he coach? 

[Cat_Scratch]

This one was bugging me. I thought I should know the answer, but I just couldn't drag it up. I cheated and looked it up. Maybe this is the correct answer and if not, still an impressive run.

Bill Gierke With a career mark of 258-73-1 at Edgewater (2000-10), Dr. Phillips (1998-99) and Evans (1982-96), he only trails former Winter Park coach Larry Gergley (274-109-2) in victories.

[Cat_Scratch]

Or... as mentioned above.

Larry Gergley at Winter Springs.

[OldSchoolLion]

8 minutes ago, Cat_Scratch said:

Or... as mentioned above.

Larry Gergley at Winter Springs.

It is not Gergley or Gierke.  Gierke had a share of a state title at Evans and compiled his wins at multiple schools.  Gergley's teams at Winter Park won 250+ games and appeared in multiple state semis, but they never made a state final appearance.  

The coach I have in mind had 250+ career wins at 1 school and made it to a state final.

[Perspective]

Who is Billy Turner (Chamberlain)?

[OldSchoolLion]

1 hour ago, Perspective said:

Who is Billy Turner (Chamberlain)?

Billy Turner spent 30 years at Chamberlain, won 254 career games, and appeared in a state final.  However, a number of his 254 wins came at Hillsborough High, where he coached prior to Chamberlain.  So, it is not Billy Turner.  Great guess, though

[Hwy17]

Inman Sherman - South Sumter

[OldSchoolLion]

2 hours ago, Hwy17 said:

Inman Sherman - South Sumter

It is Inman Sherman, who spent 32 years at Bushnell South Sumter.  Sherman retired after the 2015 season.  His teams won 254 games and appeared in the 2005 2A final versus Chaminade.  Between 2000-2002, Sumter played in a tough 2A class and made the state semis 3 years in a row.  His teams faced off with Bolles 9 times in the playoffs, winning 3 games and coming within a TD twice. 

It is probably a toss-up between Sheman and Larry Gergley of Winter Park for most successful central FL coach to never win a state title.  

[Proseteye]

And, I'm willing to bet that he didn't recruit and that SS got very few transfers over the years. The man simply developed his teams from homegrown talent where very few on his teams were super stars. In 2016 SS went 10-2 which was probably still the effects of Sherman's last year at SS. Since then SS has won only 5 games.