- November 1, 2024
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Over the last few months, Matanzas Athletics Director Rich Weber has added four new coaches to Pirate Nation that he believes will help the school move even closer to its desired destination of all-around success. Due to a substantial amount of good fortune, Weber found four coaches – Michael Steward, Dawn Moses, Marque Bembry and Donald Lockhart – with exceptional experience and some with the success Weber hopes they’ll bring to Matanzas.
Speaking about his hires, Weber said, “I think we’re on the move and are going in a good, positive trend right now. We want to win, and I want to give the kids that winning culture; lot of programs have never felt that. In our recent coaches meeting, you could just feel the new era and a little swagger coming out.”
Marque Bembry – Cheerleading: Bembry, a member of Matanzas’ first graduating class, returns to the school with an array of knowledge as a former Division I cheerleader
“It’s nice to be back home, I’m ready to bring some tradition to this school.
I think the difference with me is that I’ve been there. Everything they’ve been going through and all the obstacle, I’ve done it all, and I know what to expect. So, I hope I can bring some knowledge to the girls and be a role model for them.” Bembry and the Pirates won first and second place in all of their competitions during cheer camp this summer at Embry-Riddle.
Michael Steward – Strength and Development: As Weber observed Steward lead his Bridge Building Program, he felt he could really use his strength and conditioning skills.
“I’ve seen a lot of people can do and claim they can do it over time,” he said. “But, it was another level than I had seen. I don’t get blown away easily. He really, really knows it.”
“We’re trying to create an intercollegiate setting for the student-athletes to have a better opportunity to grow,” Steward said. “I try to take away all the extra stuff that coaches don’t want to do, which is strength and conditioning. I love it; I’ve been doing it for close to 20 years, so I want to be a positive reinforcement in that aspect.” Steward will also become the new sponsor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Donald Lockhart – Basketball: Weber received over 50 resumes from potential coaches from across the nation, and, while many stood out as great candidates, Palatka’s Donald Lockhart won the job.
Lockhart has gone to the playoffs with Palatka in each of the five seasons he coached them, and twice they reached the Final Four – as head coach and as assistant.
The basketball team has struggled in the last few years to generate any success, but Weber and Lockhart believes that will soon change.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to change the entire culture of the team and turn the program around,” Lockhart said. “This position also affords me the opportunity to be close to home.” While coaching in Palatka has been a resident of Palm Coast.
Dawn Moses – Volleyball: Weber saw Moses coaching Flagler Palm Coast’s JV team, and he admired their every-game improvement.
“She was always talking on her recorded and taking notes during games,” he said. “I happened to google her and saw that she had won a state championship in Ohio. And, after Julie (Menendez) resigned, I knew that was it. We have to get her in.”
Moses coached 19 seasons at Olmsted Falls and amassed a 367-122 record, including no losing seasons, seven Sweet 16 appearances, a trip to the Division II Final Four and a Division I state title in 2008.
