Members of the Episcopal football coaching staff recently attended the Orlando Coach of the Year Clinic, joining more than 750 high school coaches from across the state for three days of professional development and collaboration. Representing Episcopal were Marcus Wells ’90, Charlie Hunt Jr., Sean McClintock, Murray Clayton, Noah Wells ’16, and Kurt George.
The head coaches and staff from every major college football program in Florida — Florida State, Florida, Miami, Florida A&M, UCF, and FIU — addressed packed sessions throughout the weekend. In addition to breaking down offensive, defensive, and special teams schemes, presenters shared insight into building championship culture, defining core values, and developing student-athletes into high-character young men.
The clinic offered a wide range of position-specific and scheme-based sessions, covering everything from defensive back drills and quarterback footwork to special teams organization and in-game adjustments. ESJ coaches returned with practical ideas and renewed energy.
“The coaching staff is grateful to the Walton family and the Athletic Office for their continued investment in professional development,” said Coach Wells. “We also extend a sincere thank you to Rachelle Rasley for her help coordinating and organizing this opportunity. Experiences like this allow us to grow as coaches and better serve our student-athletes and school community.”
The Elizabeth Simpson Walton ’71 Fund for Coaches’ Professional Development was created by the siblings of Elizabeth “Beppy” Simpson Walton ’71 after her death, this unique fund gives an annual distribution to the Athletic Department for the purpose of sending full time and adjunct coaches to professional training sessions and seminars. Beppy Walton was an elite swimmer who also coached swimming for many years, and she knew the impact that good coaching could have on an athlete’s development. This fund adds additional dollars to the Athletic Department’s existing budget for coaches’ professional development, making Episcopal’s investment in its coaching staff extraordinary.