Coaching moves: Longtime St. Thomas coach Steve Strand retires
Longtime St. Thomas Aquinas boys basketball coach Steve Strand stepped down from his post Wednesday. Strand, who led the Raiders to a state championship in 2001, started his coaching career as an assistant in 1977. He spent 42 years on…
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Continue ReadingLongtime St. Thomas Aquinas boys basketball coach Steve Strand stepped down from his post Wednesday.
Strand, who led the Raiders to a state championship in 2001, started his coaching career as an assistant in 1977. He spent 42 years on the sidelines for STA — 23 years as head boys basketball coach.
“I’ve decided to retire,” Strand said by phone Wednesday. “It’s time. Had a great run. They’re very supportive. Same principal and AD the entire time. That’s rare. And great kids. That’s a blessing.”
Besides winning the state championship in ‘01, Strand led St. Thomas Aquinas to the final four four times. He led the Raiders to 10 district championships. The Raiders finished a disappointing 10-12 in 2018-19.
Strand attended STA as a student. He was on the 1975 squad that lost to Lake Weir in the state championship game.
He will remain on the St. Thomas staff as facilities director.
Kapel steps down
Cooper City head coach Eric Kapel has stepped down.
Kapel turned the Cooper City program around and compiled a 47-28 record in three seasons at the helm. The Cowboys went 16-9 this season and were eliminated by Mater Academy, 71-53, in the Class 8A regional quarterfinals.
“What an incredible 3-year journey it has been,” Kapel wrote on his Instagram account. “Unfortunately [Thursday, Feb. 21] was the last game I will coach for a little while. I wanted to thank Cooper City High for giving me the opportunity to be their coach and trusting a 26-year-old kid to turn their program around.
“I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish in my time here. We went to the [BCAA] Big 8 for the first time in school history and did it back-to-back years. We set a school record with 22 wins in a season. We were regular-season district champs back-to-back years.”
Cooper City went 9-14 in his first season, 22-5 in Year 2 and then 16-9.
If you have high school basketball news, you can reach Pat Lammer via text at 954-661-9671.