Former North Marion football coach and current executive director of the Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) Craig Damon is getting his flowers.
In recognition of his run as North Marion’s head football coach and his service to high school sports in the state, Damon, who graduated from North Marion in 1987, was inducted into the Florida Coaches Hall of Fame on Feb. 28.
Across his 13 seasons as the Colts’ head coach, Damon amassed 111 wins, 10 district championships and 13 playoff berths before he stepped down in 2013, leaving his post as North Marion’s football coach and athletic director for the FHSAA, where he initially served as a director of athletics.
“At the peak of his career, when a state championship seemed within reach, he made the ultimate choice to walk away from personal glory and dedicate himself to serving every athlete, every coach, every school across Florida,” a video posted by the FHSAA recognizing Damon’s induction read.
Following North Marion winning its preseason classic over Lake Weir in 2013, Damon told his team that he’d be stepping down in the postgame huddle.
“September 6 will be my last game,” Damon said through tears, according to an Ocala Star-Banner article from Aug. 23, 2013. “I wanted you guys to hear it from me.”
Once with the FHSAA, Damon was eventually promoted to associate executive director of eligibility and compliance at the FHSAA before being elected as the state association’s executive director in the spring of 2022. With his election, Damon became the first Black person to hold the position.
“A pioneer. A trailblazer. A true reflection of what is possible when excellence meets sacrifice. Craig Damon is more than a coach. He’s a mentor. A leader. A servant of the game,” the FHSAA’s video continued.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Craig Damon inducted into Florida Coaches Hall of Fame for time at North Marion
Reporting by Ainslie Lee, Gainesville Sun / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
