Seffner Christian’s Sam Moorer leaves boys basketball program

Sam Moorer, who guided Seffner Christian’s boys basketball team to the state semifinals in 2017 and the state final two years later, stepped down as coach last week. 

Moorer has deep ties with the Crusaders. He played there and returned to his alma mater seven years ago to take over the program. Besides coaching, Moorer also served as the assistant head of school. 

He is leaving it all behind. 

“I will not be returning to the school next year,” Moorer said in a text message. “I decided it was time for a change for me and the program.” 

After finishing as a district runnerup three of his first four seasons, Moorer finally had a breakthrough in the 2016-17 by leading Seffner Christian to its first state semifinal appearance. Two seasons later, the Crusaders made it back and took another significant step by reaching the state final for the first time. They were nearly champions, losing 77-73 to perennial powerhouse Fort Lauderdale Westminster Christian. 

Seffner Christian took solace in knowing the core of its roster was returning. Another expected run at a title had some bumps. The Crusaders got off to a late start because of the football team’s deep playoff run. There were suspensions and departures. Still, despite struggling with a brutal schedule, Moorer got his players to be at their best at the right time. 

Seffner Christian upset Berkeley Prep in the first round of the playoffs and advanced to the region final, one game short of making it back to the state tournament.

The run ended. So did Moorer’s tenure with Seffner Christian’s program.