Charlotte High School just opened a new chapter in its football history, naming Coach Claxton as the Fighting Tarpons’ new head coach.
This isn’t just another hire. Claxton steps in as the first African American head football coach in Charlotte High’s hundred-year story, and the first in the entire district. The significance is clear to everyone.
Athletic Director Tom Massolio didn’t hold back his excitement. “I’m really excited for Coach Claxton to be our new football coach here at Charlotte High School,” Massolio says. “His passion for the game of football has helped him be a winner, both on the field and on the sidelines. He will be a great leader for our young men and will continue to build the tradition of Tarpon football.”
Claxton brings serious experience, over a decade spent coaching at NCAA Division I, other colleges, and high school programs. He’s been a head coach, defensive coordinator, special teams leader, recruiter, and, maybe most importantly, someone who holds players to high academic and cultural standards.
Before landing in Punta Gorda, Claxton led the Boyd Anderson High football program and taught physical education there. His college résumé includes coaching and analytical roles at Wisconsin, Kansas, and Whittier College. While at Wisconsin, he worked with Big Ten championship teams and helped shape future NFL talent. His recruiting network stretches from the Southeast to California and up the West Coast.
For Claxton, the weight of this moment is clear. “I am extremely honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the head football coach at Charlotte High School,” he says. “This is a program with a proud tradition, and I am excited to build on that foundation by developing a team that is tough, smart, and dependable on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.”
“Our goal is to build a competitive program that embraces challenges, competes for championships, and represents Charlotte High School with pride in the community and on the field.”
He doesn’t shy away from the history. “I am deeply humbled by this opportunity,” Claxton says. “That responsibility is not lost on me. I view it as a chance to honor those who came before me and to set a standard of leadership and opportunity for the young men in our program and our community. I look forward to working alongside our administration, staff, players, families, and community as we move this program forward together.”
But Claxton isn’t just focused on wins and losses. He’s just as committed to academics, making sure his athletes are prepared for college, not only as players but as students. He wants every student-athlete to have the tools for the next step, whether that’s on the field or in the classroom.
The hire is drawing praise from coaches and sports leaders across the country. Ryan Bright, defensive coordinator at Northern Michigan University, says, “Coach Claxton has a great pedigree. He has both played and coached at the highest levels. More importantly, he is a great person. Charlotte got a great one.”
Pete Miller, who advises and teaches sports leadership at the University of Wisconsin, agrees. “Coach Claxton is a great coach and person. More importantly, he is a man of integrity and character.”
The community gets its first chance to meet Coach Claxton at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 at Charlotte High’s Wally Keller Gymnasium. This feels like the start of something big.
