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Wharton Coach's Presence Missed At Practice

Photo from Barbara Collins

Defensive coordinator Earl Goodman, left, died of an apparent heart attack Saturday.

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By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2008

Updated: 11/10/2008 06:28 pm

TAMPA - Inside a dim classroom on Monday, Wharton High football players gathered to watch game film of future playoff opponent Alonso.

Sitting in the center of the room, Coach David Mitchell leaned back to say "Coach Earl, what you got to say?"

Sadly, Coach Earl wasn't there to answer. Wharton's nine-year defensive assistant coach died Saturday morning from an apparent heart attack. He was 55.

Players and coaches were still in shock at Monday's practice, coming to grips with the fact Earl Goodman, a no-nonsense coach who showed his affection by grilling burgers for the players every Thursday, had passed away.

An employee of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, Goodman was found lying on the ground at All People's Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa. University Community Hospital spokesperson Will Darnell said Goodman was transported by paramedics to the UCH Emergency Center around 10:30 a.m. Saturday and pronounced dead shortly after.

Monday morning, at least 10 players sought grief counseling on campus, Wharton Principal Bradley Woods said. Counselors brought to the campus also talked with about 10 students in an Exceptional Student Education class in which Goodman was a teacher's aide.

"He taught me how to play defense," senior linebacker Chase Boswell said. "He took me under his wing."

"It still feels like he's in [practice]," senior safety Jairus Jones said. "It feels like he's still roaming the halls."

Goodman, a former Leto High football star, played defensive back and outside linebacker at Florida A&M University. He later coached at Delaware State University and King High School as a defensive assistant coach.

Goodman was on the sidelines Friday night during Wharton's 42-35 victory against Gaither.

The funeral for Goodman, who is survived by his wife, Shirley Starling, two sons and five stepchildren, is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa. Mitchell said the wake will be held between 5 and 9 p.m. on Friday at Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church, also in Tampa.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 865-4848.

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