TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - One hundred years is a long time, and that's how long Leon High School has fielded a football team. Last week, the Lions hosted a 100th season reunion, where Lions of the past gathered to rehash some memories and talk about the legacy that is Leon Lion football.
"It's been 100 years, and it's been a great 100 years," said Athletic Director Mark Feely. "We finished out the century as the winningest program in the state of Florida. There are 108 programs in Division I college football, and we are older than 102 of them."
The Lions have won 596 games and three State Championships. Legendary head coach Gene Cox won two State Championships at Leon in 1969 and 1974. He helped create the standard that Leon wasn't only historic, but also good.
"Coach Cox really changed the mentality of our school," said head coach Tim Cokely. "It doesn't mean that Coach Amos P. Godby was here. Those guys where here. We don't compare ourselves to others. We compare ourselves to ourselves. If we can continue to do that then we will have a bright future."
The Lions are still working on turning around this season, as they sit at 2-3 on the year so far, and they're looking at making the next 100 years just as memorable.
"It's more than just that the one or two times that had the honor of being recognized nationally," said Cokely. "It's the yearly commitment that our players have had to make themselves the best they can be. When you go the emergency room in Tallahassee, the doctor that is working on you is from Leon."
One hundred years of greatness, with a new level of success on the horizon. The Lions hope the success continues through the week, as they search for a Homecoming win over Kathleen. Kick-off is at 7:00 at Gene Cox Stadium.
