Tampa, FL – As if a new classification and new district weren’t enough of a challenge for Alonso High this fall, they now will be looking for a new Head Varsity Football Coach.  Lee Meitzler has stepped down as the Head Coach after just one season with the Ravens. 

“When you’re doing something, you always want to do it the right way.  The balance between my Family and the team left me torn.” said Meitzler.

 After going 4-7 this year with a First Round exit to Newsome (49-20), the Ravens struggled to find consistency.  Their only back to back wins came against North County Rivals Sickles and Gaither, while shifting between 3 different QB’s throughout the year. 

Meitzler was previously the Defensive Coordinator of a heralded Jefferson defense in 2007 and 2008 before resigning from coaching to spend more time with his family.  Once ex-Alonso Head Coach Mike Heldt departed after the 2009 season, Meitzler felt that it was time to get back in the game in an attempt to make the Ravens into a contender. 

It’s not that Meitzler felt like he couldn’t do the job however.  He was adamant that this was about balance and priorities and what was best for everyone involved. “I’m still very confident in my ability to be a Head Coach.”

Though the Ravens had 4-Star Defensive End Anthony Chickillo, they were still pretty inexperienced on both sides of the ball which made it tough to when their schedule listed teams such as Hillsborough, Plant, Armwood, Spoto, Brandon and Tampa Bay Tech. 

Although brief, Meitzler did have an impact on his players and one in particular. “He was a great mentor to me and was always there for the players,” said Chickillo. “All the guys were great people and good friends.”