Coach John Benedetto Dead at 66

Land O’ Lakes is mourning the loss of a local legend.

Former Land O’ Lakes High School football coach John Benedetto died in his sleep April 21, according to TampaBay.com. He had just turned 66 on Friday, the website reported.

Benedetto, who spent 32 years as the Land O’ Lakes Gators’ football coach, compiled a 196-149 record during his run at the school. In Benedetto’s last 12 seasons coaching Gator football, the team went to the playoffs each year in one of the most impressive coaching streaks Pasco County has ever witnessed.

His tenure at the school left such an impression after a grand total of 34 years working there that the Pasco County School Board decided last year to rename the Swamp in Benedetto’s honor. The Gators now play home games at John Benedetto Stadium.

“I am in full support of the stadium being named after Coach Benedetto,” former player and Florida State quarterback Drew Weatherford said about last year’s stadium renaming. “He’s impacted thousands of kids, not only as a coach but also as a teacher.”

Benedetto also took some time out to speak with Patch about the stadium renaming.

“It is quite an honor, for me, it really is," Benedetto said in August 2012. "I would like to thank the parents, the business community, and the entire community of Land O’ Lakes for giving me the opportunity to work their kids. It was a great experience and I’m just overwhelmed by it.”

TampaBay.com says Benedetto’s death was wholly unexpected.

“My mother woke up this morning and he was gone," Benedetto’s son Giovanni is quoted by the website as saying.

Do you have memories of Coach Benedetto to share? Want to wish the family your condolences? Share your thoughts and stories by commenting below.

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