High School Coach of the Week Mike June receives a certificate from Bucs Head Coach Jon Gruden
Coaching in the NFL is hard work. It takes long hours and a fierce dedication. There wouldn't be much need for NFL tutors, however, if it weren't for the coaches who labor in the trenches at the high school level, teaching the next generation of young men how to play the game.
On Wednesday, September 18, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers honored one such individual: Palm Harbor University High School Head Coach Mike June.
At a ceremony on the practice field at One Buccaneer Place, Coach June was presented with a framed "Coach of the Week" certificate, signed by NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, General Manager Rich McKay and Head Coach Jon Gruden, along with a "Coach of the Week" hat and a football autographed by Coach Gruden.
"When I got the call, I was so honored," said June. "I think it's fantastic that they're taking the time to recognize the high school coaches and I would like to thank the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NFL and Coach Gruden for his time."
Coach June was handed the reins to the Palm Harbor program in 2000 and since that day has worked hard to rebuild the Hurricane. His team holds a record of one win and one loss thus far this season.
June is a graduate of William Penn College, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he played offensive guard and earned two letters before switching to inside linebacker for his final two seasons and earning two more letters.
Prior to becoming the head coach at Palm Harbor University, June was the head coach at St. Petersburg Catholic and served as an assistant coach for 15 years at Countryside, St. Pete Catholic and Palm Harbor.
In addition to the certificate, hat and ball, Coach June will also receive a $1,000 donation to his football program.
If you know a coach that you feel is deserving of being the Buccaneers "Coach of the Week" please click here and submit his or her name, school, county and reason he or she should be selected.
Several factors are taken into account when selecting the Buccaneers Coach of the Week recipient, including the coach's impact on his team, school and community. The program is designed to recognize high school coaches who transform, through their hard work and dedication to young people, the best available athletes into high-potential football players.
All schools in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota are eligible regardless of size, league or division.
