Bulldog bounces back from injury

By IZZY GOULD, Times Staff Writer
Published August 9, 2007

WESLEY CHAPEL - Three months ago, Zephyrhills defensive tackle Quentin Amos almost lost his left arm after his Ford F-150 flipped at least twice and briefly pinned him to the road.

In that split second, Amos' arm was stripped to the bone and he was in jeopardy of having it amputated.

"They were talking about cutting my arm off," the senior said Wednesday, wearing a cast that wrapped around his hand and reached his elbow. "My mom told them to save it if they could. By the grace of God it worked out great."

He has had roughly 10 surgeries since the accident and received clearance this week to play football. He missed one day of practice, but expects to be in pads Friday for the second day of hitting.

CHECKING IN: A pair or rivals stood next to each other long enough to share their individual experiences with recruiting.

Pasco's Demetrious Larry and Wesley Chapel's Greg Jenkins have received interest from some Division I schools, but nothing concrete.

Larry, a 6-foot, 150-pound receiver, has talked to FAU and FIU about playing receiver. Jenkins, a quarterback, recently attended a USF camp and most schools seem interested in recruiting him as an athlete.

VOLLEYBALL: Pasco finally found a coach after a three-month search. The Pirates landed Patricia Hobort, a Hernando assistant.

Pirates athletic director Jim Ward said in addition to sparse interest, the ability to find a qualified coach and match the coach with an appropriate teaching position slowed the process.

Hobort replaces Ramior Tejada, who accepted a job at Sunlake. The Pirates have 24 girls out for the team, which Ward considers a sign the program is headed in a good direction.

VAN ETTEN INTRODUCED AT USF: Former Mitchell star Emily Van Etten is officially a member of the USF women's golf team.

Van Etten was a state finalist for the Mustangs in 2005 and '06. She graduated magna cum laude and was in the top 15 percent of her graduating class.

"Emily has made such a name for herself at the state and high school level, there is no doubt that will carry over to her experience at USF and make us a better team," USF coach Marci Kornegay said in a press release.

Izzy Gould can be reached at izzygould@gmail.com or 727 580-5315.

[Last modified August 8, 2007, 20:11:34]