Reader's Report: Coach's 'Class Act' Noted at Brandon Football Banquet

The following report was submitted by Karen Rodriguez, president of the Brandon High School Alumni Association. 

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The focus of the awards banquet at the Clubhouse on Kingsway Road in Brandon on Dec. 20 was right where it should be — and were John Lima wanted it to be: on the kids.

Less than a week after learning that Lima would not be returning as head coach of the Brandon High School football team, the squad that ended its season in the playoffs gathered together for the 2011 awards banquet.

The school’s with the team and that leaves Lima out as head coach, but not out of the hearts of the players and parents who spent their time with him at the banquet.

“We’ve always been in support of coach [Lima] and hate to see him go,” said Lori Jones, president of the Brandon High School Quarterback Club. “However, we will support the incoming coach in the same manner.”

Jones, with Mindi Sanson, said they both look forward to their sons' continued success as Brandon High football players.

Lima opened the banquet by telling the attendees that he was proud of his team, that he still was going to be a teacher on campus and that he would be there for the seniors in February to help them through the college recruitment process.

The decision that led to Lima's dismissal as head coach has Tom Fisher concerned. He said the coach knows football and he knows the team; that the administration should administer and that the coach should be allowed to coach.

On a peronsal level, Tom Fisher said Coach Lima taught his grandson, Tyson Hines, a freshman, brand new to the game, to make decisions for himself.

Fisher said his grandson learned a lot and is playing well and that he is encouraging Tyson, in his sophomore year, to continue with the program. Ultimately, though, the decision will be his grandson's, Fisher added.

Senior Brandon Buchmeier and Nicholas Cubilete both agreed that Lima instilled in them a strong work ethic and commitment.

On Lima’s team, they said, outgoing seniors encourage incoming teammates to give a 100 percent commitment, and that means in the classroom, when they are down from a loss, as well as in practice and in off-season workouts.

Cory Mustain, son of Dennis Mustain, and a defensive end/tackle, said he learned that determination and a strong work ethic — give 100 percent or go home — will get the job done.

Garrett Lentz, a 2011 Brandon High graduate, and a third-generation football team alumnus, received the Eagle Award in 2009 for best overall athlete, student and representative of Brandon High.

Numerous great uncles and aunts, his brother and sister, and numerous cousins also attended Brandon High.

Lentz played for Coach Lima from 2007 to 2009, before leaving the team to focus on academics, graduating with a 6.5 grade-point average in 2011.

Lentz said in a text message the day of the banquet that he remembers Coach Lima stressing performance on the field. Also, that Lima encouraged his players to work hard in the classroom and to learn as much as possible, which he encouraged through mandatory study hall and by disciplining students for failing to do their work and for disrespecting teachers or faculty members.

After handing out awards at the banquet, Lima mixed with the students and parents. It was readily apparent that Lima, a class act, leaves the program with both treasured and lifelong friendships.

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