Hernando: News and Notes

By Times staff
Published August 31, 2007

Nature Coast hires (another) coach

The Sharks have tabbed Bob Shepardas their baseball coach. Nature Coast athletic director Travis Lamle found himself conducting another search after David Brown initially agreed to be the coach then spurned the Sharks to stay in North Carolina. Shepard has 15 years of coaching experience as an assistant for Nature Coast, Central and some travel ball teams.

Hubbard impressive on links for Eagles

Kevin Hubbard was a decent golfer last season for Springstead. The junior was one of three Eagles who could, on any given day, compete as a No. 1. This year, though, Hubbard has taken his game to a new level, thanks in large part to his work during the summer. "He played in a lot of tournaments," coach Sonny Long said, "and it's obvious." Hubbard opened the season with a 37 at World Woods to easily take medalist honors against Nature Coast.

QB Mahla gets nod for Springstead

Junior James Mahla will start at quarterback for the Eagles' season opener at Crystal River. Sophomore Ben Noury could get some time, but Noury is valuable at many other positions, including safety and running back.

Vasquez prepared to fight charges

Former Hernando boys basketball coach Antonio "Tony" Vasquez appears set to fight a misdemeanor charge of exposure of sexual organs that prosecutors filed against him. Vasquez, a Hernando alum who was hired in May as coach, was arrested on suspicion of exposing himself to an undercover police officer July 24 at McKethan Park. He then resigned. Vasquez, who declined to comment through his attorney, has pleaded not guilty. "He maintains his innocence," attorney Larry Disparti said, "and is adamant about it."

Set your DVR ...

Nature Coast at Dunnellon, football, 7:30 tonight:The bad news for the Sharks? Dunnellon went 7-3 last season and features a stacked squad this year. The good news? The Tigers fared a lot worse against Williston last season, losing 41-14, than did Nature Coast, which lost 26-13 in the playoffs.

Read on the blog

"I will pray for you who think if there is nothing good about Christian school football. FYI, there are just as many D1 and professional athletes that come out of Christian schools to public. You or your kids play alongside Christians everyday. ...Good luck with your season!"Posted by: coachdub at 12:37 p.m

[Last modified August 30, 2007, 23:21:30]