He steps aside to spend more time with his family after 11 seasons at Zephyrhills' coach.
By GREG AUMAN
Published April 1, 2003
Kevin Epifanio, who guided Zephyrhills wrestling to three district titles and three individual state championships, said Monday he has stepped down after 11 seasons to spend more time with his family.
"I've been doing this for 11 years, and it's time to be with my daughters," said Epifanio, whose team earned a district title in February and advanced all 14 wrestlers to regionals. "You know when it's time, and especially riding the wave of the three seniors who have been with me the longest, this seems to be the appropriate time."
Epifanio helped senior heavyweight Shane Hand to back-to-back state championships, and Nick Spine became the school's first four-time state qualifier when he finished fourth at 119 pounds. Another senior, Doug Burden, made a return trip to state at 145 after winning a Sunshine Athletic Conference crown.
The decision to leave had nothing to do with wrestling, rather a desire to spend more time with daughters Gabrielle, 6, and Samantha, 4.
They're keeping him active in coaching, too, with Gabrielle's T-ball team and as a volunteer in softball with Samantha.
"These are some real important years to be with them and my wife," said Epifanio, 35, who will continue working as a physical education teacher at Woodland Elementary. "I thoroughly enjoy wrestling and thoroughly enjoy coaching, though, and I'll miss it."
Epifanio also led the Bulldogs to district titles in 1997 and 1998 and had another individual state champion in Dan Zawicki in 1997. In all, 15 Bulldogs qualified for state under him.
His job hasn't been posted but a likely successor is Matt McDermott, his assistant for seven seasons and a teacher at Zephyrhills.
"I would certainly hope it's him," Epifanio said. "He's a quality guy, somebody I've admired and enjoyed working with. He's got a good, hard work ethic and I think he'll do fantastic."
McDermott said he'd submit his name for consideration and would hope the team's success helps him, but following Epifanio would not be easy.
"Kevin's mentioned this for a few years, so we've seen it coming, but we're going to miss him," he said.
[Last modified April 1, 2003, 05:26:39]
Pasco Times headlines
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
