Punta Gorda, January 31, 2026
Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda has appointed Kevin Claxton as their new head football coach, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first African-American head coach in the school’s century-long history. Athletic Director Tom Massolio made the announcement, highlighting Claxton’s extensive coaching experience and prior success at Boyd Anderson High School. The Fightin’ Tarpons aim to build on their recent performance and restore competitiveness in local football under Claxton’s leadership.
Punta Gorda Welcomes Historic New Head Football Coach at Charlotte High
Punta Gorda, FL – Charlotte High School has officially announced the appointment of Kevin Claxton as its new head football coach, a move that marks a significant moment in the school’s more than century-long athletic history. The announcement was made by Athletic Director Tom Massolio on Friday, ushering in a new era for the Fightin’ Tarpons football program.
Claxton’s hiring is particularly historic as he becomes the first African-American head coach in Charlotte High School’s 100-year history, and also the first in the entire district. This appointment is seen as a pivotal step for the program, aiming to build on its foundations and propel it forward.
Claxton’s Extensive Football Background
Coach Claxton brings a wealth of experience to Charlotte High, both as a player and a coach. He comes to Punta Gorda from Boyd Anderson High School in Florida, where he previously served as head football coach. His deep roots in football extend to his collegiate playing days at the University of Wisconsin. Claxton was a prominent linebacker for the Badgers for four seasons, playing a key role in their success, including winning back-to-back Big Ten championships in 2010 and 2011. During his time at Wisconsin, he recorded 85 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
Following his successful collegiate career, Claxton transitioned into coaching. He began as an assistant coach at Boyd Anderson, gaining valuable experience at the high school level. He then returned to his alma mater, Wisconsin, where he served as an offensive analyst for three years, further refining his understanding of strategic gameplay and team development. After his tenure with the Badgers, he made the deliberate choice to return to high school coaching in Florida, demonstrating his commitment to developing young athletes.
Setting a New Direction for the Fightin’ Tarpons
The Charlotte High Fightin’ Tarpons finished their 2025 football season with a 6-5 record, concluding their playoff run in the opening round of the Class 5A playoffs. This new leadership comes after the school parted ways with former head coach Cory Mentzer during the offseason. Coach Mentzer’s four-year tenure saw the team achieve an overall record of 19-23 and make three postseason appearances.
One notable aspect of the recent past includes the team’s performance against their local rival, the Port Charlotte Pirates. Under the previous leadership, Charlotte High had a 0-4 record against the Pirates over the last four seasons. This was a shift from a historical dominance, as Charlotte High held a 36-5 all-time record against Port Charlotte prior to 2021. The task for Coach Claxton will be to re-energize the program and build a competitive team capable of challenging for district and state honors.
While Claxton’s previous team at Boyd Anderson High School concluded their 2025 season with a 0-9 record, his background as a player on championship-winning teams and his diverse coaching experience suggest a strategic approach to rebuilding and fostering success.
Athletic Department Leadership
The appointment was officially conveyed by Tom Massolio, Charlotte High School’s esteemed Athletic Director. Massolio himself has a distinguished history at the school. Prior to becoming Athletic Director, he served as the head boys’ basketball coach for Charlotte High from 1997 to 2022. During his 25 seasons at the helm, he amassed an impressive 505 victories, making him the winningest boys’ basketball coach in Southwest Florida history. Under his guidance, the Tarpons boys’ basketball team made its first-ever Final Four appearance in 2021. His continued leadership in the athletic department ensures a commitment to strong coaching and student-athlete development across all sports.
The entire Charlotte High School community, including players, students, faculty, and alumni, will undoubtedly be watching with keen interest as Coach Claxton embarks on this new chapter, aiming to bring renewed success and pride to the Fightin’ Tarpons football program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest news regarding Charlotte High School football?
Charlotte High School has announced the hiring of Kevin Claxton as its new head football coach.
Who made the announcement about the new head football coach?
The announcement was made by Charlotte High School’s Athletic Director Tom Massolio.
When was Kevin Claxton appointed as head football coach?
Kevin Claxton was appointed on Friday.
What is significant about Kevin Claxton’s hiring at Charlotte High School?
Kevin Claxton is the first African-American head coach in Charlotte High School’s more than 100-year history, and the first in the district.
What is Kevin Claxton’s previous coaching experience?
He previously served as the head coach at Boyd Anderson High School in Florida. He was also an assistant coach at Boyd Anderson and an offensive analyst for the University of Wisconsin.
What is Kevin Claxton’s background as a player?
Kevin Claxton is a former University of Wisconsin linebacker, where he played for four seasons and contributed to two Big Ten championships in 2010 and 2011.
How did Charlotte High School’s football team perform in the 2025 season?
The Fightin’ Tarpons finished the 2025 season with a 6-5 record and lost in the opening round of the Class 5A playoffs.
What was the record of the previous Charlotte High School football coach, Cory Mentzer?
Cory Mentzer finished his four-year tenure with an overall record of 19-23 and led Charlotte to three postseason appearances.
Key Features of Kevin Claxton’s Appointment
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Head Coach | Kevin Claxton |
| School | Charlotte High School, Punta Gorda, Florida |
| Announcement By | Athletic Director Tom Massolio |
| Date of Announcement | Friday |
| Historical Significance | First African-American head coach in Charlotte High’s 100+ year history and in the district. |
| Previous Coaching Role | Head coach at Boyd Anderson High School, Florida |
| Collegiate Playing Career | Linebacker at University of Wisconsin (2010 & 2011 Big Ten Champion) |
| Charlotte High 2025 Season Record | 6-5, lost in opening round of Class 5A playoffs |
| Previous Charlotte High Coach | Cory Mentzer (overall record 19-23) |
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