Wildcats coach finally steps down

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published May 4, 2007

WESLEY CHAPEL - Teaching and coaching baseball isn't a bad way to live for a young single guy. But it isn't a great way to make a living.

After turning down a more lucrative job as a mortgage broker last August to return for another year as Wesley Chapel baseball coach, Erik Shafer can't do it again. Last week, the day after his team bowed out in the district semifinals, he resigned as coach and teacher.

"It wasn't a decision I wanted to make, " said Shafer, who earned a coaching supplement of $2, 387 last year.

Citing the price of homes in the area and the rising cost of insurance in Florida for his move, Shafer will become an account executive for a mortgage brokerage company in Colorado Springs.

Shafer, 28, who works in Wesley Chapel's dropout prevention program, just completed his third season as Wildcats coach, going 12-14. For the first time since he can remember, baseball won't be a part of his life, though he may consider a volunteer coaching position.

He started playing in Land O'Lakes Little League at age 4 and starred for the high school Gators and Saint Leo. After a few years of pro baseball, Shafer returned, hoping to make a living coaching and teaching.

[Last modified May 3, 2007, 22:53:15]