Program’s end dismays former coach, players

Oxbridge became contender in six-year history

Wednesday afternoon, Oxbridge Academy made the stunning decision to shut down its football program — just six months after playing in the Class 3A state championship game.

The team, which began play six years ago, rapidly became one of Florida’s elite, finishing 30-6 over the past three years.

Former coach Doug Socha, hired in 2012 as the program’s architect, said he wasn’t surprised by the school’s decision and that the writing was on the wall when Oxbridge elected to not renew his contract in 2016 following a breakthrough year.

“I’m disappointed for the alumni,” Socha said. “Disappointed for the current team and coaches, but not surprised by the decision based on what I was told on May 26, 2016, when they said they were going in a different direction to deemphasize football. I think this is a byproduct of their decision. They didn’t admit a lot of younger players [afterward] to build the roster to be sustainable.

“There was a lot of jealousy toward the football program and the opportunities these kids were getting to go to Ivy League schools and major colleges. It was an opportunity for kids to thrive in an environment and go to major schools. The school didn’t value it the same way. There was internal jealousy to the football program.”

A number of former Former coach Doug Socha

Oxbridge Academy football players were dismayed at the school’s decision. Standout cornerback Travion Leonard, who just wrapped up his freshman year at Auburn, said he wasn’t surprised by the decision and that the players had a sense this day was coming.

“After they didn’t renew Coach Socha’s contract [in 2016], we knew it was going downhill,” Leonard said. “There were already three transfers [immediately after] and we were hearing things about them wanting to de-emphasize the program and we knew it was just a matter of time.

“It just takes away opportunities for kids in the community for kids who really need it. I’m thankful for the opportunity [to attend Oxbridge], but what are you going to do for the next batch of kids who want to further their education, get that football experience and be around different people? They took it away. I’m not happy about it.”

Following the school’s decision regarding Socha, Leonard said the players were never given an explanation for the move. Leonard said the school didn’t listen to the players.

“My voice wasn’t heard,” Leonard said. “I don’t think any of the kids’ voices were heard. We didn’t say much, but when we did no one listened. We were kept quiet. [The school] didn’t let us speak our mind.”

For Tre Gabriel, the decision to shut down the football program cut especially deep. As a freshman in 2011, Gabriel was instrumental in persuading the school to create a team. The ThunderWolves began play the next year and Gabriel was a standout cornerback during the team’s nascent stages.

“[I’m] just super disappointed,” said Gabriel, who now plays for Columbia University. “Obviously for football reasons, but ultimately I feel like it’s going to discourage kids from pursuing a great education and pursuing great football. I didn’t like that I had to make that choice coming out of middle school. For a while you didn’t have to weigh the options of a great education versus a competitive athletic atmosphere. Now kids will have to again.”

Kicker Noah Singer was another key player in the early days of the program. A 2016 graduate, Singer was disheartened by the school’s decision after the former players helped build the program into a contender.

“I’m just very upset,” said Singer, who now plays at Tulane. “We put a lot a of blood, sweat and tears into that program. I think upset and sad is really the only way I can say how I’m feeling.”