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Panthers hire first-time coach

By FRANK PASTOR

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 5, 2001

TAMPA -- When Bo Puckett met his wife, Carine, in 1998, she didn't speak English and he didn't speak French.

Before the two could become a couple, they had to learn to communicate with one another.

Carine has worked tirelessly for three years to improve her English. Bo will take French classes this summer.

"I consider that probably the biggest challenge I've ever faced in my life -- breaking down that language barrier and becoming husband and wife," Puckett said.

His second-biggest challenge began Friday.

That's when Puckett, a former assistant football coach at Jesuit with no previous baseball coaching experience, was hired to replace Pat Russo as Plant's baseball coach.

"I'm excited about it," Puckett said. "I've planned to be a teacher and a coach my whole life. I believe this is definitely my calling."

Puckett, 26, teaches government, history and economics at Plant. He will be paid a coaching supplement of $1,600.

"He's a very good teacher," Plant athletic director Laura Figueredo said. "He's very good in the classroom and we feel confident that will carry over onto the baseball field."

Russo led Plant to a 96-47 record in six seasons, including a 16-10 mark last year.

His contract was not renewed after principal Eric Bergholm decided to tie the job to a teaching position, Figueredo said. Russo, recently named Hillsborough's baseball coach, works in operations for the school system.

Puckett played baseball and football at Ben C. Rain High in Mobile, Ala., before earning a baseball scholarship to Bishop State (Ala.) Community College. He served as junior varsity defensive coordinator and head varsity scout for Jesuit's football program from 1997-2000.

Meet Bo Puckett

AGE: 26

RESIDES: Tampa

FAMILY: Wife, Carine

EDUCATION: B.A. in social science education from South Florida (2000), degree in logistics management from the Air Force

BACKGROUND: Worked as an assistant football coach at Jesuit, 1997-2000; two-sport star (baseball and football) at Ben C. Rain High in Mobile, Ala.; earned a baseball scholarship to Bishop State (Ala.) Community College.

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