Former Satellite High coach, athletic director Travis Akin dies at age 89
The news of coach Travis Akin’s passing on April 13, 2024, at 89 years old was felt across the Brevard County landscape, but it may have affected the Satellite Beach community more than anywhere else.
Akin joined the faculty of Satellite High School when its doors opened in 1962, and during his years he wore many hats: he coached the Scorpion football and golf teams, taught physical education, served as athletic director and guidance counselor until his retirement in 1996.
He had two stints as Satellite’s head coach, from 1968 to 1972 and 1983-85. He taught some of the finest players in Satellite’s history, including running backs Mike Mercer (Georgia Tech) and Greg Fairbanks (Miami), and offensive lineman Steve Collier (Georgia).
Akin took a respite from head coaching duties and was offensive coordinator for head coach Gerald Odom at Merritt Island from 1973-79. His crowning achievement as a coach came when the Mustangs won consecutive state championships in 1978 and 1979.
Both Mustang title teams went undefeated (14-0), and six 1978 Mustangs made all-state while nine players from 1979 were named to the All-Cape Coast Conference first team.
Akin returned to Satellite in 1980 and coached his son, Trav, in 1985 before a knee injury ended the quarterback’s season.
Known for his offensive wizardry, in his last game as head coach, Akin employed a “fumblerooski” in a 10-7 upset of Palm Bay. The Scorpions finished the 1985 season 7-3, but Akin conceded following the victory “It has been a tough, tough year, this victory kind of salvaged it.”
He would retire as the Scorpions’ head coach at the school’s fall sports banquet in Jan. 1986.
Considered both a gentleman and a genius among his peers, he was often seen hitting golf balls in the open field off Jackson Ave. in Satellite Beach — a long TD drive from Scorpions Stadium.
A stadium that came to life thanks to the legacy he created.
John Janokaitis is Chief of Media Relations for Aerodyne Industries in Cape Canaveral. He has been a correspondent covering sports for FLORIDA TODAY since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Florida. He played football for Satellite, but unfortunately never had the opportunity to be coached by Travis Akin.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Longtime Satellite High coach, teacher Travis Akin dies at age 89
