Bolles football offensive coordinator Wayne Belger will take over as head coach of the team after longtime coach Charles “Corky” Rogers announced he’s leaving the program due to medical complications.
“I know we can keep the program Corky started going strong,” said Belger, who has coached with Rogers at Bolles for more than 28 years. “We are going to keep everything the same as we can, keep up the hard work and see the pay off on the field. “
After struggling with a medical illness for an extended period of time, the 73-year-old Rogers recently announced his resignation, capping off a 45-year career that produced the most wins, state titles, championship game appearances, Hall of Fame inductions and collegiate players of any coach in Florida. The legendary Bolles coach said there is no better person than Belger to take over the position.
“One of the things I told them was not only was he deserving of the job, but I knew the other coaches wanted to work for Wayne,” said Rogers, who is leaving Bolles with 466 wins, which is ranked fifth all-time in the nation. “Bolles is a special place, and he knows Bolles and its athletes and will do a wonderful job.”
Belger played for Rogers at Robert E. Lee High School during his first winning game in 1972 against Ed White, and they have been together ever since. The partnership with Rogers goes deeper than just the two of them: Belger’s oldest son Matthew played in Rogers’ 250th win at Bolles and Belger’s youngest son Mitchell played in his 300th.
“I think the reason we have been together so long is because when I first coached him, I saw competitiveness in him that was similar to mine—there was a common ground there and a nice mix,” said Rogers. “I could not be happier for him.”
Rogers has led the Bolles program since 1989. He will work until March 17 before Belger officially takes over, just in time for spring practice to being in April.
Photo courtesy of Bolles High School
Cutline #1 (Wayne Belger): Wayne Belger was recently named head coach of the Bolles football program, replacing longtime coach Charles “Corky” Rogers.
