COACHES | venice-football2

JOHN PEACOCK - HEAD COACH

Coach Peacock enters his 22nd year in the Venice teaching and coaching community. Coach Peacock has helped over 100 student athletes become collegiate football players totaling over 20 million dollars in scholarships. Coach Peacock was born and raised in Venice. Coach Peacock and his beautiful wife Georgia have 6 children and 8 grand kids.

Education

BS – Georgia Southern
Masters – National Louis University (Summa Cum Laude)

Playing Experience

1989-1992 Cardinal Mooney HS
1993 – 1995 East Carolina University
1995-1997 Georgia Southern University

Coaching Record

151 - 36
15 consecutive Play-off appearances
8 District Championships
5 Regional Championships
5 Final Fours
4 Top 100 Finishes
2 State Championship

COACHING HONORS

2007 SNN COY
2007 News 40 COY
2007 Herald Tribune COY
2007 FACA COY
2008 FACA COY
2009 FACA COY
2009 First area team to play on ESPN
2010 NATIONAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COY
2014 FACA COY
2016 FACA COY
2016 Herald Tribune COY
2017 FACA COY
2017 Herald Tribune COY
2017 7A Dairy Farmers COY
2017 Dairy Farmers COY
2021 8A Dairy Farmers COY

LARRY SHANNON - DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Originally from Starke, Fl, Coach Shannon is our defensive coordinator. He is entering his 18th year at VHS. Under his guidance, the Indian defense has been considered one of the best in the area. They have allowed, on average, only 11.2 points per game the past three seasons. Coach Shannon shows a high intensity and extreme passion for the game. That emotion has transferred to his players, and on Friday nights you can see the defense swarming to the ball and playing inspired.

As a player, Coach Shannon was a very successful athlete. From 1993 to 1997 he was an outstanding wide receiver for the East Carolina Pirates. Upon graduating from ECU with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1997, he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Coach Shannon was in the Dolphins organization from 1998 to 2000, in 2000 he went to the Oakland Raiders, and in 2002 was with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He received his Masters in Exercise and Sports Science in 2004 from ECU. Coach Shannon was an assistant coach at ECU from 2003-2004. He has been a coach and teacher at Venice High School since 2004.

Larry is married to Kweli Shannon and has four children: Jannah, a VHS graduate who is proudly serving in the United States Navy, Larry David, Aaliyah , and Sophia.

TIM WEIDLEIN - INSIDE LINEBACKERS

Born and raised in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico Coach Weidlein enters his 14th season on the Venice High Football staff coaching inside linebackers . Coach Weidlein, during his high school football career lettered all four years. After graduating in 2002 from Antilles High School he received an academic scholarship from Kent State University. There Coach Weidlein majored in Health and Physical Education and completed his degree in May of 2007. In 2009 Coach Weidlein completed his masters in Physical Education at the University of South Florida.

Coach Weidlein will be entering his 15h year of teaching H.O.P.E and PE at Venice High School. He has also been the Head Coach of the Girls Track and Fields team and Boys Weightlifting team. He is excited that he has become a part of the Venice football family and is excited for the upcoming season. Coach Weidlein is married to the former Amber Krug, who is a teacher at Venice High School. They have a son Troy and a daughter Alivia.

CLAY BURTON - HEAD STRENGTH & CONDITIONING/TIGHT ENDS

Born in Atlanta, Georgia but raised in Venice, Florida, Coach Burton is entering his 7th season on the Venice High School football staff. He is the Head of Strength and Conditioning as well as the Tight Ends coach. Coach Burton is a 2011 Venice High School graduate. During his time as a student at VHS, Burton was a team captain and recipient of the Jim Powell Team MVP Award. He also earned all-area and all-state honors.

After graduation, Coach Burton attended the University of Florida on a full athletic scholarship where he played Tight End and lettered all four years. Coach Burton graduated with a Major in Criminology and Minor in Educational Studies. Post-graduation, Coach Burton had a brief stint in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.

Coach Burton is a Social Studies teacher on campus and enjoys positively influencing his students and athletes. Along with coaching football, he is also the Head Boys Weightlifting Coach. Coach Burton was named the 2019 Herald Tribune Boys Weightlifting Coach of the Year. Coach Burton has been fortunate enough to be a part of 4 State Championship teams during his tenure at VHS (2017 & 2021 Football and 2018 & 2019 Baseball).

He is married to Dali Burton, a former National Champion Gymnast that he was lucky enough to meet at the University of Florida. Clay and Dali have two daughters, Kayna and Nellie.

Coach is extremely proud and thankful to be a part of the Venice Football staff and is excited for the upcoming season.

DAVE BUTLER - OFFENSIVE LINE

An alumnus of VHS., he played three years for Coach Jim Powell. Coach Butlers junior season was the start of an Historic 33 game regular season win streak, which was a state record for almost 20 years.

Coach Butler earned a football scholarship to Ottawa University, KS where he Majored in Physical Education. His Junior and Senior year he was voted to the All KCAC Team as an offensive guard. After his playing years, coach Butler coached offensive line at O.U. for 2 years. Coach has a total of 23 years of coaching experience, 2 at the college level, 16 at Venice High School, and 8 coaching Pop Warner. Coach led two of his youth teams to top 10 National Ranking.

Coach Butler is happily married to his wife Vickie Butler of 33 years. They have two kids Brett and Kayla. Brett a VHS grad and former football player and Kayla a graduate of Cardinal Mooney.

SASCHA HYER - DEFENSIVE LINE

Sascha Hyer is entering his 11th season at VHS. This is Coach Hyer’s 28th season coaching football. After finishing his playing career at Shepherd College, he started his coaching career as the TE coach at Shepherd. From there he was the offensive line coach at West Virginia Tech. He then spent 2 years at Wesley College as the OL coach. In 2000 his offensive line at Wesley helped lead the way to one of the top offenses in DIII. Averaging over 400 yards of offense per game and 47.8 points per game. In 2002 Coach Hyer moved to Florida as the defensive coordinator at North Port High. He spent 5 years as an assistant coach and then in 2007 became the head coach. Prior to coming to Venice, Coach Hyer was the offensive coordinator at Port Charlotte High.

Along with being an Assistant Football Coach, Coach Hyer is also the Head Girls Weightlifting Coach and a member of the Social Studies Department at Venice. Sascha is happily married to his wife, Kristen, for the last 24 years. Kristen and Sascha are the proud parents of Jake and Maggie Hyer.

Jake will be attending the University of West Florida studying Music Education as well as being a member of the UWF Singers (UWF Choir). Maggie will be a Freshman at Venice High School participating on the Girls Weightlifting Team.

JERRY MCMANUS - PASSING GAME COORDINATOR/WIDE RECEIVERS

Jerry McManus enters his 5th season as Pass Game Coordinator at Venice High School

A native of Dania, Fla., McManus received his bachelor’s degree in communications from Wake Forest in 1978. As a player he threw for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns, including two (three TDs total) in a 1975 upset of nationally-ranked N.C. State.

Coach McManus has coached for over 30 years at the collegiate level. Jerry began his coaching career in 1978 as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech, working with the defensive backs.

McManus has coached five players who have gone on to play in the NFL, among them are Leonard Henry, wide receiver Ricky Proehl, Wake Forest’s all-time leading receiver and Vonta Leach, fullback for Super Bowl XLVII Champions, Baltimore Ravens.

BRIAN RYALS - QUARTERBACKS

Coach Ryals is entering his 4th season with the Venice Indians. In his first year Coach Ryals was our running backs coach and this year he will be taking over coaching quarterbacks. Coach Ryals was born in Miami and rasied in Sarasota, where he graduated from Booker High School. After graduation he attended Florida State University and Stetson College of Law.

Coach Ryals has 26 year of coaching experience.
-Sarasota High School...3 years Quarterbacks Coach/Offensive Coordinator...4 years Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
-Clarke Central High School (Athens, GA)...1 year Wide Receivers Coach/Pass Game Coordinator
-Booker High School...1 year Wide Receivers Coach, 2 years Running Backs Coach, 10 years Quarterbacks Coach/Offensive Coordinator

Coach Ryals has 2 brothers, Leroy Ryals (older), and Mike King (younger), 4 nieces, and a host of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

Coach Ryals Married the former Kristen (Smithers) in December of 2020. Kristen Ryals is currently teaching HOPE at VHS.

We are excited to have Coach Ryals on our staff to help mold these young men and both athletes and students.

LUCIAS L. BONNER JR. - RUNNING BACKS

Coach Bonner will be starting his first season at Venice High School as this year’s Varsity Running Back Coach. He has been coaching High School football since 1997. He has coached previously at Cardinal Mooney, Booker and Sarasota High Schools all at the Varsity level.

Coach Bonner after graduating from Sarasota High school in 1980, entered the United States Marine Corp where he served our Country for four (4) years. After being honorably discharged from the military he started his Law Enforcement Career with the Sarasota Police Department where he served for thirty (30) years, retiring as a Police Captain.

Coach Bonner, while working and raising his family, attended Saint Leo University where he graduated Magnum Cum Laude and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice.

Coach Bonner and his wife Jennifer, have been married for thirty (33) years and have two adult sons and one daughter. When not, coaching football he enjoys watching football, fishing and traveling

LUCIUS L. BONNER JR. - RUNNING BACKS

Coach Bonner will be entering his 4th season at Venice High School as this year’s Varsity Running Back Coach. He has been coaching High School football since 1997. He has coached previously at Cardinal Mooney, Booker and Sarasota High Schools all at the Varsity level.

Coach Bonner, while working and raising his family, attended Saint Leo University where he graduated Magnum Cum Laude and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice.

Coach Bonner and his wife Jennifer, have been married for thirty (33) years and have two adult sons and one daughter. When not, coaching football he enjoys watching football, fishing and traveling

BRIAN HATLER - DEFENSIVE BACK COACH

Coach Hatler is entering his 3rd year after returning to Venice High School in 2020. He was the Head Football Coach at North Port High School from 2015 through 2019. He was the Offensive Coordinator at Arvada West High School from 2002 - 2014. Arvada West made nine playoff appearances during that time including trips to the state semi-finals in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2009. His coaching experience in Florida includes stops at Port Charlotte High School, Hardee High School, and Venice High School including the Florida 5A State Title at Venice High School in 2000. His coaching career began in Colorado as a running back and defensive back coach at Littleton and Arapahoe High School.

As a player Coach Hatler was a four year starter as a free safety for Western State College in Colorado. He was recognized as an Academic All American, Pre Season All American, and All Conference player.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in 1988 and added a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2002. He teaches Physical Education at North Port High School. His daughter Tayla is a North Port High School graduate and is pursuing a degree in elementary education.

JAMES BOERKOEL - DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH

Born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. Coach Boerkoel was an All-State Diver in High School at Royal Oak Dondero He trained 3 summers with Ron O ‘Brian US Olympic Diving Coach 1973, 1974 and 1975.

Coach Boerkoel is an United State Air Force Veteran. He received a degree in Business Management, and was an employee of General Motors Engineering Management for 38 yeas. (Retired May of 2021).

Coaching - this will be the 38th year of coaching High School Football. He served roles as: Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Back, Linebackers and Special Teams Coordinator

Birmingham Brother RIce High School 1984 - 2011

4 - Michigan High School State Championships 1990,200,2005, 2011

8 - State Championship Appearances.

20 - Play-off Appearances

Birmingham Seaholm High School - 2012 - 2015

2 - Play-off Appearances

Auburn Hills Avondale High School - 2016 - 2018

2 - Play-off Appearances

Madison Heights Lamphere High School – 2019

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes High School – 2020 - 2021

1 - Play-off Appearance

Venice High School, Venice Florida 2021

State Championship 2021

This will be Coach Boerkoel's 1st year as a full time Coach at Venice.

23 year old son Blair Boerkoel 4 Sport High School Athlete

Wrestling at Alma College

Rugby at Ferris State University

JOSH HUNTER - ASSISTANT OFFENSIVE LINE COACH

Josh Hunter

CLINT CALHOUN - MOTIVATIONAL COACH

Clint has been apart of the Venice Football staff for over a decade. He is currently the Motivational Coach for the Indians, inspiring and motivating our Indians. During any given week you can find him getting the players motivated before every practice, giving pregame speeches every Thursday, and walking up and down the sidelines ever Friday night cheering on our Indians. Clint is what it truly means to be a Venice Indian and we are lucky to have him apart of our staff.

STEVE BENNETT - HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER

Steve is entering his 6th year at Venice as the Athletic Trainer. He spent the previous 13 years at North Port. Other past experiences include being the Assistant Athletic Trainer and Adjunct Professor at the University of Tampa and 3 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under Head Athletic Trainerr Todd Torocelli.

A Buckeye through and through, Coach Bartlett is from Cambridge, Ohio. Mike played four years at West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV, as a wide receiver and quarterback. He received his Bachelor’s in Physical Education and Special Education from West Liberty in 1993, his Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University in 2005 and his Ed Specialist in Counseling from Argosy University in 2010.

Coach Bartlett has been coaching for 26 years. He spent one year at Buckeye Local High School as the Head JV coach, Running Backs coach, and Defensive Backs coach. At Terry Sanford High in Fayetteville, NC he spent four years as a wide receivers coach. Coach Bartlett also spent five years coaching wide receivers, defensive backs, and outside linebackers at rival Charlotte High School.

This is Coach Bartlett’s 17th year being apart of the Venice High Football Program. Coach Bartlett is currently a school counselor at VHS, and he is also the assistant athletic director. He is married to Brenda Bartlett, who is also a guidance counselor at VHS. They have one daughter, Leah who is a 10th grader at VHS.