For Now...
HHS Follows Status Quo By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITORacastro@hernandotoday Published: May 1, 2008
BROOKSVILLE – On the eve of spring football practice, Hernando County's oldest program, Hernando High, appears to be searching for its third head coach in three seasons.
Or maybe not.
As second-year Leopard Head Coach Rodney Byrd prepares for today's statewide mandated 20 days of spring practice, HHS posted this notice in the classifieds section of the Florida High School Athletic Association website under positions available: “Hernando High is taking applications until May 14, 2008 for Head Coach. Hernando High is located 43 miles due north of Tampa, Florida. We are looking for an experienced coach who can set in motion a plan to return the HHS football team to statewide prominence. Please send resume to (HHS Athletic Secretary) Teri Sellers at HHS email: sellers_t@hcsb.k.12.fl.us or fax at 1 (352) 797-7042.”
Byrd, an alumnus of HHS and product of Eastern Kentucky University, guided the Leopards to a 2-8 season in 2007.
It marked the Purple and Gold's fifth consecutive losing campaign – a school record.
In the off-season, six HHS seniors have signed to played college football next fall.
Yet Byrd, who did not return phone calls Wednesday, has not been relieved of either his coaching duties or his (physical education) teaching position at HHS.
With a change in administration, incoming Principal Ken Pritz is in the process of re-evaluating every coaching position – including Byrd and Athletic Director Marion Jones.
This much was known at press time: Byrd will continue to coach through the spring including the May 23 classic game against visiting Ocala-West Port. But he may be a lame duck mentor.
Brent Gaustad, who served as HHS AD prior to Jones taking over last spring, recently returned to the Leopard campus as an assistant principal.
“Every coach (here) is eligible to reapply for their jobs (including Byrd),” explained Gaustad on the dynamics of apparent changes. “With a new regime, there's a different thought process. A football committee will be formed to help us select a coach. Rodney could very well be selected again.”
Is it normal for any school to post a job vacancy statewide with its old coach still aboard?
“It's not normal,” commented Gaustad. “It's a new thing. Ken (Pritz) can explain it (thought process) a little better than I can. We're just looking for the right people.”
Pritz did not return messages left on Wednesday.
What does Coach Jones think of his future at HHS?
“I don't know,” he replied. “I don't know what to tell you. Mr. Pritz and Brent (Gaustad) can help you with your questions.”
According to Gaustad, Jones' future “will depend on a call from the county office.”
So for now, HHS' athletic scene is staying pat. But stay tuned.
