High school football: Dwyer promotes Al Shipman to head coach of Panthers program
Al Shipman thought retirement might be in the cards following an abrupt end to his seven-year stint at Palm Beach Lakes, but the head football coach has found himself back in the saddle this season at Dwyer.
"I am so blessed to be here in this position," Shipman said.
Dwyer Principal Corey Brooks and Athletic Director Tiffany Wilkes announced in a statement shared on social media on Friday that Shipman won the nationwide search for the next leader of the Panthers. They said they are "excited" to instate the new hire.
More Football:Wellington's Larson, Dwyer's Lee, Newman's Mizell take offers
More Dwyer: Playoff baseball: Dwyer exits after Doral Academy hurls combined no-hitter
All-County: The Post's All-County baseball: Check out nominees for 2022 Player of the Year
Shipman was the first to fall victim to the yearly coaching turnover in Palm Beach County last November following a 2-8 record, his final season with the Rams ending with a 14-0 victory over Dwyer and its former coach, McKinley Rolle.
However, recent cycles are just a small blemish on an otherwise impressive resume for the Lou Groza Coach of the Year winner for 2019. He transformed a Lakes team in "shambles" to one with its first district championship since 1996, along with two playoff appearances and 106 players who advanced to the collegiate level during his tenure.
Shipman was a player for the University of Miami from 1992 to 1995 and played professionally in the Canadian Football League until retiring in 2001.
When Shipman was let go to make way for now-Lakes coach Cedric Jones, he couldn't get away from the sport and found himself as an assistant on Rolle's coaching staff months later.
"It just feels right. I am right where I'm supposed to be," Shipman said, happy to take the promotion and complete the rebuild started by Rolle, whose most recent squad posted a 4-6 finish.
Dwyer Panthers 2022 schedule
Aug. 19 at Plantation
Aug. 26 vs. Jupiter
Sept. 1 vs. Jensen Beach
Sept. 9 at Palm Beach Gardens
Sept. 16 at West Broward
Sept. 23 vs. Glades Central
Sept. 29 at Pahokee
Oct. 7 vs. Forest Hill
Oct. 21 vs. Atlantic
Oct. 28 at Seminole Ridge
Nov. 4 at Palm Beach Lakes
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: High school football: Dwyer promotes Al Shipman to head coach of Panthers program
