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Former Bloomingdale Coach to Lead Middleton High Squad

Tribune photo by BILL WARD

Stokes resigned from Bloomingdale last week after one season leading the Bulls.

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By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 19, 2009

Updated: 01/19/2009 04:41 pm

Former Bloomingdale High football coach Jason Stokes has been hired as the new coach at Middleton, Tigers athletic director Derrick Gaines confirmed today.

Stokes replaces Harry Hubbard, who was removed from his coaching duties in December after seven years at the helm and a 2-8 record last season.

"We're excited," said Gaines, who is in Washington, D.C., for the presidential inauguration. "We think that Middleton supporters will be very excited, too. What I liked about him is his energy. He looks like he'll be a hands-on coach."

Stokes resigned from Bloomingdale last week after one season leading the Bulls. His lone season was a memorable one, however, as the Bulls posted their first winning season in program history (6-5) and attained the program's first playoff berth. He will be Middleton's second head coach since it reopened in 2002.

"I feel ready to get to work over there," Stokes said. "I'll try to meet with the players and parents next week. I'm aware of the tradition Middleton has and how they dominated years ago. I want to bring that back."

Stokes, 33, was the defensive coordinator at Riverview before accepting the position at Bloomingdale.

"I wanted to be at a city school because that's where I'm from," said Stokes, who was raised in Queens, N.Y. "I want to be a good role model for them."

A former linebacker at Lehigh University, Stokes said he will bring offensive coordinator James Grant with him from Bloomingdale.

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

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