Hillsborough: News and notes

By EDUARDO ENCINA and KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writers
Published February 26, 2008

On the Web: Batting order

Undefeated Countryside takes over the top spot in our ranking of the bay area's best softball teams. Check them out and sound off at highschool.tampabay.com.

Panthers pick colleges

Plant's James Harrell III, a standout on both sides of the football, signed with Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Teammate Luke Martin, a starting defensive back for the Panthers, signed with Elon.

Harrell 5-11, 195 played cornerback and wide receiver.

"James is absolutely one of the great athletes in Hillsborough County," Plant coach Robert Weiner said.

Martin (5-11, 175) had 83 tackles and two interceptions as a senior, but missed the playoffs after an emergency appendectomy.

"Luke was the quarterback of our defense," Weiner said. "He played the game both smart and with great energy. He was a great leader."

Golden Helmets

The Golden Helmet award winners were honored at a ceremony Friday at Higgins Hall. The award is presented to three football players and one coach in the county.

The winners were Brandon LB Wale Agbede (Class 5A/6A), Plant WR Derek Winter (3A/4A), Berkeley Prep QB Archie Barnes (A/2A) and Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez.

County coaches nominate players, and selection is based on "outstanding athleticism," as well as the student athlete's "character, academic achievements and leadership in their school and community." This is the 50th consecutive year of the awards.

Spring stats

The Times will begin publishing baseball and softball statistics this week. Coaches are reminded to send updated stats via e-mail to kniebuhr@sptimes.com (softball) or eencina@sptimes.com (baseball) by 5 p.m. Wednesdays.

Chiefs alum to enter UM Hall

Chamberlain graduate Woody Austin, a standout on the PGA Tour since 1995, has been selected for induction into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame. According to the Miami Herald, Austin is the lone UM golfer remaining on the PGA Tour (the school's golf program was shut down years ago). Austin led the 'Canes in scoring average all four of his seasons (1982-86) and won the 1984 Florida State Intercollegiate. In 1995, he was the PGA Tour rookie of the year.

[Last modified February 26, 2008, 00:10:32]