Assistant coach Marvin Wooten was named head coach of the varsity Seahawk football team.

Wooten graduated from South Lakes in 2002, and went to Howard University in Washington D.C.  He rejoined the South Lakes squad in 2006 as assistant coach to John Ellenberger, and, for last season, Andy Hill.

Hill resigned in May after being offered a head coaching spot in his hometown of Woodbury, Minnesota.  Wooten expressed his feelings about Hill’s retirement.

“He was a great mentor for the kids and as well as the other coaches and myself,” said Wooten.  “He cared about the kids and his community.  He worked really hard and was a great influence.”

Wooten, although sad about Hill’s departure, is thrilled to take over the Seahawk football program. 

“I’m really excited,” said Wooten.  “It is a great opportunity.  It has been a bit busier but I know that the kids coming in and entering the program have a great competitive nature and their talents will add to the team.”

Wooten wants to encourage academic achievement as well as success on the football field, as the Seahawks will be playing in Division 6, as opposed to Division 5.

“Academic success is important for our program to strive for,” said Wooten.  “I want to send kids to college so they can have successful futures.  As for football, we of course want to win as many games as we can during the season.  The new division is larger and competitive, and with our kids, we can be just as strong.”

Varsity football players say that Hill’s replacement is the best choice for the program.

“I was really happy that he accepted the head coach position,” said sophomore Hapa Sausiu.  “I trust him.  He was the linesman coach and I worked with him last year.  I know he is great.”

“I’m happy for him,” said sophomore Rashaan Jones.  “He brings stability to the program because he knows the system Coach Hill brought and he will be able to stick to it.”