Hernando sideline

By BRANT JAMES and CAREY FREEMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 14, 2001

BASEBALL -- Who's on first? Maybe Cole, FSU says

Hernando High School graduate Chris Cole is wasting no time at Florida State, and he hasn't let a position change get in his way.

The former All-Hernando-Citrus first-team catcher and All-Suncoast designated hitter has an outstanding chance at major playing time this season as a freshman, Seminoles officials say.

The Class 3A, District 8 Player of the Year batted .520 with a school-record 14 doubles and 53 hits last spring and is vying with four others for time at first base.

"He's going to play," said Jeff Purinton, assistant sports information director in the FSU baseball office. "He'll either end up starting or at least platoon with the way he has played.

"Coach (Mike) Martin has really been happy with how he has handled things so far," Purinton said.

School-astic Classic is 'amazing' again

Tournament co-chairs Barbara Gregory and Edy Shaffer had a feeling about this year's School-astic Classic, and their intuition didn't lie.

Despite threatening rains that preceded Monday's rounds at Sugarmill Woods, the fifth annual event was a success.

Clouds parted 15 minutes before the cutoff for a rainout, and competitors were able to enjoy what turned out to be a perfect day for golf -- and a perfect day for some of Citrus County's high school students.

The tournament raised more than $14,000 for its general scholarship fund, which awards $500 scholarships, topping last year's total by more than $2,000.

"We're excited," Gregory said. "The people love to come to this tournament and, when they hear about the scholarships, the reaction is amazing.

"Our little slogan is "This is a great way to send a kid to college', and it's true," she said. "Everybody thinks it's great."

The tournament played host to 172 area female golfers and took place on the club's Oak, Cypress and Pine courses. Championships were awarded to the best performances.

The team of Heidi Shimp, Verna Turnbull, Brenda Goebel and Vivian Finch captured top honors at the Cypress Course. They were followed by the squad of Linda Keller, Constance Gibson, Barb Keller and Joyce Maclellan.

There was a tie for first at the Pine Course between the teams of Shirley Kirby, Barbara Neurohr, Nancy Robbins and Mary Dunker and Maggie McCarty, Betty Newman, Joan Danzey and Lou Averman.

Jean Rice, Darlene Madden, Mary E. Reiter and Gloria Brant took first at the Oak Course, topping Joan Hrmonak, Althea Decker, Audrey Hite and Betty Sims by four strokes.

Red Eye Open

Defending champions Randy Jessie and Mike Rado tied with Mike Coron and Don Horner with a net 61 to win the men's flight in the annual tournament at Spring Hill Golf Club.

Terry and Jeff Thomas shot a net 56 to win the couples division in the one-best-ball-of-two format.

The teams of Mike Van Diver-John Barbe and Al Schafer-Glen Schafer tied for second (62) in the men's flight. Zita and Graham Sharman were second in the couples bracket with a 63.

Ninety-seven players competed, although the start was moved back almost three hours due to sub-freezing morning temperatures.

Senior championship

Inverness Golf and Country club is gearing up for the fifth edition of the Citrus County Senior Championship.

The the 36-hole tournament is scheduled for Feb. 10-11 and is open to any male player -- amateur or professional -- who is 50 years or older. The cost is $70 per person.

For information, call the Inverness Golf and Country Club Pro Shop, (352) 637-2526.

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