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Chamberlain Coach's Retirement Plans On Hold During Playoffs

Tribune photo by BILL WARD

Billy Turner, 71, has 254 career wins, the winningest active football coach in Hillsborough County. He's in his 49th season, the past 30 at Chamberlain.

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By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 2, 2008

TAMPA - On Thanksgiving Day, Chamberlain High's football players gathered in their locker room before an early morning practice to share what they were thankful for.

When it became his turn to speak, head coach Billy Turner had to fight back tears.

As he looked into his players' faces, he told them that as he stood on the school's field that morning, his coaching career flashed before his eyes.

Turner, 71, has 254 career wins, the winningest active football coach in Hillsborough County. He's in his 49th season, the past 30 at Chamberlain.

Before this season, Turner said it was a strong possibility he would retire after this year. On Monday, he reaffirmed it.

"It's a big possibility," Turner said. "My wife and I talked about it the other day. I don't know when would be the proper time [to retire]. I know it won't be before the season is over; that would be kind of dumb. I don't know if I'd do it before the banquet, and I don't know if I'd do it before the Christmas holidays. What I'll do is probably enjoy the Christmas holidays and then in January try to put something together."

The Chiefs (12-1) play at Lakeland High on Friday in the Class 5A-Region 2 final. With a win, Chamberlain would advance to the state semifinals. Turner has never won a state title.

His players aren't ready to see Turner hang up his whistle — not without a state championship.

"We want to keep winning to make him go out in glory," senior running back Kenny Allen said.

"I haven't been here all four years, but I respect Coach to the fullest," senior defensive back Rico Valdez said. "I feel like he deserves it. He's given me nothing but respect. I've never heard any negative things about him."

To win, the Chiefs will have to go through a Lakeland program that has won three state titles this decade.

"All of the seniors, we knew he went undefeated his first season here," senior quarterback Dontae Aycock said. "When we lost to Plant [27-13 on Oct. 31], we felt like we let him down. We know we can make up for it by winning a state championship."

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

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