Polk State’s Corbeil honored for becoming program’s all-time wins leader

Prior to Tuesday’s 10-1 victory over Warner University (B), Polk State Head Coach Al Corbeil was recognized before the crowd at Bing Tyus Yard for becoming the winningest coach in program history.

Corbeil collected his 419th career victory on Feb. 17 as the Eagles topped Seminole State College of Florida, 9-7. In the process, Corbeil surpassed Bing Tyus as the all-time wins leader at Polk State.

Tyus, who coached then Polk Community College from 1984 to 1998, presented Corbeil with an encased game-used baseball from the record-breaking win. Corbeil was also given an encased jersey with his name and No. 419 on the back.

Following his coaching career, Tyus served as Athletics Director for more than two decades. In 2011, Tyus ultimately hired the man who has since broken his program record. Joining Corbeil and Tyus on the field were Athletics Director Stanley Cromartie, the ceremony’s organizer, as well as several Polk State College administrators and Corbeil’s wife, Whitney, and their two sons, Azarias and Samson.

Now in his 13th season, Corbeil has coached the Eagles to six Suncoast Conference championships and eight appearances in the FCSAA Tournament. In 2012, Corbeil coached Polk State to just its second FCSAA championship. The first was won 20 years prior under Tyus.

With Tuesday’s victory, Polk State improved to 25-16 in what served as the final non-conference game of the regular season. Corbeil currently has the Eagles in position for a ninth FCSAA Tournament appearance of his tenure. Presently second in the Suncoast Conference standings, Polk State will resume conference play on Friday at home against Hillsborough Community College.