SARASOTA
COUNTY, October 5, 2018 – Venice High School is proud to announce that its
longtime baseball coach, Craig Faulkner, has been inducted into the Florida
High School Athletic Association
(FHSAA) Hall of Fame. Coach Faulkner was recently honored along with seven other
honorees at the organization’s induction ceremony in Gainesville. Coach
Faulkner is the second coach from Venice High School to be inducted into the
FHSAA Hall of Fame, the first being Coach Brian Wheatley.
The FHSAA
Hall of Fame was founded in 1991 to recognize and preserve the heritage of high
school athletics in Florida. The origination aims to keep the tradition and
spirit of high school athletics alive, and honors those who have excelled in
one or more high school athletic programs. Honorees include coaches,
administrators, contest officials and sports writers, among others, who have
raised the level of awareness of high school athletics through their
dedication, efforts and achievements. In a recent announcement regarding the
induction ceremony, FHSAA executive director, George Tomyn commented, “We
are delighted to pay tribute to these eight extraordinary individuals. Their
positive contributions to our Association and the students we serve truly
exemplify the finest qualities of education-based athletics.”
“This
achievement is well-deserved and we could not be more proud,” said James
Slaton, director of athletics for Sarasota County Schools. “Coach Faulkner has
an established history of excellence. He leads with integrity and has taken the
Venice High School baseball program to great success. Coach Faulkner is a role
model for his athletes, and for the culture of high school athletics in
general. We look forward to seeing him lead the Indians to more achievements in
the future.”
“I am
very honored and humbled to receive this designation,” commented Craig
Faulkner. “It is a privilege to coach and train such dedicated and focused
athletes. I try to lead by example and help these kids reach their goals.
Together we have built a solid team focused on character, discipline and camaraderie.
The athletic victories are important achievements, but I am most proud of the
diligence and heart I see our athletes exhibiting in the community – that is
the real legacy of a program.”
Coach
Faulkner is a five-time state championship baseball coach who has won
more than 400 games, including 15 20-win seasons. Starting in 2012, he helped
Venice High School become the first FHSAA public school in 60 years to make
five consecutive trips to the State Final Four. In 23 years of coaching, he has
never been ejected from a game and is highly regarded by student athletes and
the Venice High School administration and coaching staff.
About Sarasota County Schools
Sarasota County Schools is committed to
providing unrivaled academic, emotional and civic growth to every student,
every day. As one of the leading employers on the Suncoast, Sarasota County
Schools boasts 53 schools that expertly cater to the diverse needs of over
43,000 students. We are one of two Florida school districts to consistently earn
an A-grade every year since 2004. Our passionate educators empower students to
take charge of their academic and personal success, a practice we believe
fosters lifelong growth and achievement. We actively maintain the district’s
tradition of excellence and ensure that tradition extends to all students. Our
commitment to our students extends beyond graduation to make sure they not only
graduate on time, but do so college and career ready. Want to take your
student’s education to the next level? Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit www.SarasotaCountySchools.net.
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