THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Hernando High School Athletics


HALL OF FAME



ANTHONY ROBERTS

WEIGHTLIFTING, FOOTBALL

Anthony Roberts Anthony Roberts has always lived the life of a competitor. Anthony was born in Bronx neighborhood of New York City. His family moved to Brooksville for his eighth-grade year. Anthony had always grown up playing his favorite sport, basketball but on his arrival in Florida he became exposed to a host of other athletic activities. Anthony soon established himself as a multi-sport athlete at Hernando High School. Anthony was an outstanding two-way player for Hernando Football excelling at the running back and defensive back positions. Anthony’s self-sacrifice allowed him to take on any role that would help the team win. Outside of football Anthony was encouraged by his coach Matt Smith to take up wrestling and finding success qualifying for Districts in his 1st year of competition. Anthony’s success in other sports pushed him to the weightroom to build up his strength and endurance. Anthony’s dedication and hard work allowed him to become one of Hernando High School’s most decorated weightlifters. Anthony became one of the only two-time FHSAA Boys State Champion. Anthony recorded an outstanding bench of 300 lbs. with a clean and jerk of 205 lbs. in the 139 pound category his senior year. Anthony owns his own business, as a master barber and is married to wife, Amber and has three children Alyse, Antoine, and Ayden

TARA EDWARDS-KING

TRACK AND FIELD

Tara Edwards King During her tenure at Hernando High School, Tara Edwards King was one of the most dominant female track and field athletes in the area. She was the 1984 Class 3A High Jump State Champion as a junior and still holds the HHS record of 5’4” (tied in 2008/2017). She was also the first female track and field athlete to win an individual state title in HHS history. Tara was selected the 1984 Tampa Tribune Girls Performer of the Year for Track and Field. She selected All Conference (2 years); All District (1 year); All Region (2 years); and All State (1 year). She holds not only the HHS high jump record, but also held school records in the 110 yd hurdles and 330 yd hurdles. While at HHS, Tara was ranked in the top 5% academically in her class, was a member of National Honor Society, vice-president of Key Club, a student government representative, was a member of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad and the Varsity Volleyball Team. She received an Army ROTC scholarship coupled with a track and field scholarship to the University of Mississippi in 1985. Tara was recruited by the inaugural women’s track and field team at Ole Miss and was one of the first scholarship recipients. As such she was also the first female record holder for high jump and competed for the Ole Miss Rebels in the Division I Southeastern Conference (SEC) for both indoor and outdoor track seasons. Upon graduation, Tara received her commission as a US Army Officer (Quartermaster) and served 5 years stationed in Germany. She left active duty with the rank of Captain in 1994. In 2010 Tara King co-founded the nonprofit Valley Friendship Club which provides social activities for over four hundred members with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. She is currently still active in the organization as the Board Chair and resides in Stillwater, Minnesota with her family which includes, husband Peter King, and children; Nate wife Casey, Aine, Holton wife Celia, and Gabe.

DANIEL PRITZ

WRESTLING

Daniel Pritz Family and tradition are hallmarks of Hernando High School. Additionally, within our colors of purple and gold it is the purple that symbolizes royalty. In every sense of the word the Pritz family is one of the royal families of Hernando wrestling. Daniel Pritz truly represents the family, tradition, and royalty of Hernando High School. Daniel was born and raised in Brooksville and born into a family of wrestlers. Daniel and his brothers were encouraged by their father, a wrestling coach at Hernando, to start early in preparing for high school wrestling. This involved training at home on makeshift mats with his brothers and friends and traveling to youth wrestling tournaments. These early experiences shaped Daniel for the success that was to come. During High School Daniel was coached by the two royal families of Hernando high School wrestling. Father and son Bill and Charley Combs, along with his own father Ken and brother David. Daniel’s hard work and the mentorship of his coaches paid huge dividends. Daniel is one of the most decorated wrestlers in Hernando High School history. Daniel was a regional champion three times, a record for Hernando Wrestling. Daniel finished 3rd in the state as a sophomore. He returned to states as a junior finishing 5th in the state. Daniel’s perseverance paid off his senior year as he won the FHSAA Wrestling State Title. Daniel set a career record at that time with 155 wins, which lasted for 10 years. Daniel’s success allowed him to continue his career at Liberty University. Daniel eventually returned to Brooksville and opened his own business, Mountaineer Coffee. Daniel lives with his family wife, Darby and children Freeman, Mable, Joel David, and Ruby.

LYNDELL "GENARD" HUDSON

WRESTLING, FOOTBALL

Lyndell “Genard” Hudson A man of great stature can accomplish many things and raise those around him to great heights. Lyndell Hudson filled that role and then some during his time at Hernando High School. Lyndell a 1987 graduate, was a three-sport athlete who accomplished many things during his time on the Brooksville Campus. Lyndell used his size and speed to be the anchor of the offensive line for the Leopards. His rare combination of size and athleticism blasted holes for some of Hernando High School’s best running backs. Lyndell was a team leader and an excellent role model for the underclassmen. Lyndell’s exploits on the football field earned him a college scholarship to St. Mary’s of the Plains College. Lyndell also was a member of the Leopard Track and Field team. Participating in two events, the shot put and discus. The accolades came pouring in for him, as Lyndell was selected as the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Thrower of the Year his senior season. Additionally, he advanced past districts and was an FHSAA Regional Qualifier. Lyndell’s dominance was most notable on the wrestling mat. Wrestling in the unlimited division Lyndell dominated in his junior and senior seasons a two-time district and regional champion. His senior season would be one for the record books. Lyndell would steamroll through the competition and finish his season undefeated leading to his selection as Gulf Coast Conference wrestler of the year and the Tampa Tribune All-Area team. His senior year would be capped off with a FHSAA State Championship. This would be the last time the unlimited division would be used for state competitions. In 2001, Lyndell became a teacher at West Hernando Middle School. He transferred his love for sports into teaching and coaching young men and women. Married to his wife Kyna Hudson, the two have shared life together for 33 plus years. They have two children, Lyndell Hudson II and Kyanna Hudson.

BRAD KUHL

WRESTLING

Brad Kuhl Being a state champion in wrestling is not an easy thing to accomplish. It takes dedication, self-motivation, and sacrifice. Most of the time the work is put in when you are alone. When you are on the podium after accomplishing your goal of being a champion, you know that you have never been alone, that others were there to support you all along the way. Brad Kuhl was a champion and he had more than just Hernando high School behind him. Brad and his family moved to Brooksville in 1978. Brad was an active participant in the Hernando County youth leagues, playing baseball and football into high school. Following in his brother Todd’s footsteps, he joined the wrestling team. Wrestling didn’t come easy at first but again like his brother another mentor came forward. Bill Combs filled in as practice partner, coach and mentor, giving advice and pushing Brad to be his best. The support was invaluable and led to a dream senior season for Brad. Brad finished the year with a 30 and 1 record culminating in a FHSAA State Championship in the 135-pound weight class in 1992. Brad finished his career as a three-time letterman, two time All Gulf Coast Conference, and 2-time state qualifier. All the while being ranked fourth in his class academically. Brad was also recognized in the Tampa Bay Times top 100 athletes in 2000. Brad would continue wrestling by participating in the National High School Wrestling Championships and the National Junior Freestyle Tournament. This allowed Brad to follow his dream and continue his wrestling career at the University of Pennsylvania. Brad finished his academic career at the University of South Florida receiving a bachelor's and master's degree in engineering. He is currently a consulting professional engineer in Central Florida.

MATILDA "TILLIE" WARREN HOLLAND

BASKETBALL. MOTON HIGH SCHOOL

Matlida “Tillie” Warren Holland Few athletes throughout history are revered by their contemporaries so much that they are referred to by just one name. This holds true for one of Moton High Schools most outstanding female athletes in the history of the school. Matilda “Tillie” Warren was that athlete. Tillie dominated the hardwood for Moton High School’s Girls Basketball team in the late 1950’s. So much so that even today her accomplishments, and athletic ability are recalled with great pride by her fellow classmates. Matilda "Tillie" Warren Holland attended school at Moton through 1960. Born in Brooksville, as a student participated in school sports playing on the girls’ varsity basketball team. Tillie was also a member of the New Farmers and New Homemakers Clubs as well as being class President and a member of the student council. Before Tillie left Florida she had ample credits to complete school here however, she received her diploma in Plainfield New Jersey. Tillie married James Holland and moved to New Brunswick New Jersey in 1970. Tillie was a successful Cosmetologist for over 20 years and was also a proud member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens for 20 plus years. Tillie has six children, three boys and three girls, Karl, William, Shawn Tyrone Sr. (d. 2023) Rosalind Calhoun, Janice Roy and Barbie Holland Ellerbee. Tillie has a host of grandchildren and great grands! Due to illness, Matilda retired. In 1994 James and Matilda returned to Brooksville where she is now a current resident in Brooksville and active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

TIM JINKENS

FOOTBALL, BASEBALL

Tim Jinkens Tim Jinkens the son of Joe and Julia Jinkens, is a faithful member of the Hernando High School community. An alumni and community supporter would be one way to describe him. But through his efforts and dedication to Hernando High School, Heart of a Leopard is probably the more appropriate way to describe Tim Jinkens. Few in the history of HHS have contributed more to the Leopard family on the fields of athletic competition and with their endeavors off the field in support of Leopards Athletics. Tim has filled the role of athlete, coach and a community supporter of Hernando High School for nearly 50 years. Tim is a 1976 graduate of Hernando High School. During his tenure Tim participated in Basketball, Baseball, Football and Golf. Football would be Tim’s passion, playing all 3 years of High School. In his Junior year Tim would be selected for the All-Area team in football and was the leading hitter on the baseball team as a Junior. Tim’s senior season was one for the record books. Tim was an 1st team all-area selection, he was selected to the North Suncoast All-Star team, he was recognized by the local press as All- Conference for two positions, punter and defensive end. The accolades didn’t end there as Tim was chosen for 1st Team All-District and to cap it off he was named to the 3A All-State Football team. After his illustrious career Tim was given the opportunity to play at Catawba College in North Carolina. Upon his return to Brooksville, Tim immediately set to work to help the Leopard family that had given him so much. Tim worked as a volunteer umpire for Hernando Youth League, spent two years as an assistant for middle school football, and another two years as an assistant at the high school. Tim also was an assistant softball coach with Coach Varn and an assistant coach with Coach Chatman in baseball. Tim’s most lasting contribution to the city of Brooksville was his participation in the establishment and running of the Jerome Brown Youth Foundation. For thirty years Tim has served the board as Vice-President and 25 years on the scholarship committee. Tim was instrumental in this time in getting the Jerome Brown Community Center built.

JILL PENDERGHEST

SOFTBALL

32 years ago, a true pioneer walked the halls of Hernando High School. Jill Penderghest-Marrero was one of the first players in Hernando High history to play fast-pitch softball and set a standard for years to come. Jill was a three-time letter winner and a three-time district champion, from 1989-1991. One of the few lady leopards to compete in both slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball. Jill hit the fast-pitch game running, during her junior season she had a .398 batting average and drove in 22 runs for the 1990 team that finished with a record of 23 wins and 4 losses. The running continued for Jill in her Senior season where she stole a perfect 53 bases in 53 attempts, a record that would stand in Hernando High lore for over 23 years. Jill’s 53 hits that year would be the all-time record for the next 23 seasons as well. All that great contact would drive in the runs for the Leopards, as she set a runs batted in school record of 44 that would last an astonishing 32 years. Jill’s offensive firepower would lead to a single season batting average of .581 still #2 in the pantheon of HHS Leopard Softball. Jill’s accomplishments would be recognized as the GCAC Player of the Year and 1st Team All-State. Next, Jill took her talents south to the campus of St. Petersburg Junior College, playing for the Lady Trojans for two years. Jill was named to the All-Conference team and was a 2nd Team All-state selection. Jill’s success on the field, work ethic and dedication led to an offer from The University of West Florida where in 1995 she played in all 65 games leading the team in batting with a .369 average, and 34 stolen bases. After College, Jill then took to the football field and showcased her incredible athleticism, became the only 1,000-yard rusher playing for the Pensacola Power an all-women’s professional football team. Her final honor was to be one of the Olympic torch runners in 2002. Jill lives in St. Augustine with her husband Pete, and they have a very proud son, Carter. She has worked at Ring Power for 19 years.

TIM WOODFORD

FOOTBALL, SOCCER

Tim Woodford When the Hernando High School football team needed a kicker in the mid 80’s, little did Coach Turner know he would get one of the best place kickers in the nation. Tim holds six kicking records at Hernando High School 37 years after playing for the Leopards. Tim set the state record and tie the national record for field goals in a game with five. All five field goals were over 42 yards, including a school record 52 yarder. Tim was an All-Conference selection his junior and senior year, and was selected All-State participating in the FACA All-Star game his senior year. Named a Parade All-American and recognized in Sports Illustrated’s famed “Faces in the Crowd”, lead to being ranked as the #2 high school kicker in the nation. With such kicking prowess, Tim was naturally a star on the pitch as an All-Conference selection in soccer both his junior and senior year. He led the Leopards in scoring both years, in addition to being an All-State selection his senior year. Truly a versatile athlete he also was a member of the HHS track team competing in the 4x100 relay, winning a District championship. As a highly rated recruit. Tim was recruited by colleges from across the country, eventually accepting a scholarship to attend Oklahoma State University. After 2 seasons he transferred to the University of Florida. After college Tim enlisted with the United States Coast Guard serving from 1993 to 2004. After retirement, he entered the insurance field, working for the Hartford company for the last 19 years. Tim and his family live in Winter Haven, Florida

DAVID PIRKLE

TRACK AND FIELD, BASKETBALL

David Pirkle Often an athlete needs just one opportunity to prove themselves. Through hard work and determination. David Pirkle truly made the most of his opportunity. David was a two-sport athlete at Hernando High School and a member of the Royal Regiment Leopard Marching Band. David’s tremendous athleticism and desire were always in full display on the basketball court. He was a powerful force in the paint and running the floor pairing up with Hall of Famer Johnny Brackins to give the Leopards their own version of the “twin towers.” David was also outstanding member of the HHS Track and Field team. Selected All-Conference and a regional and state qualifier, he set a school record in the high jump his senior year. David’s work ethic and natural leadership skills earned him an opportunity to play basketball for Pasco-Hernando State College. He was selected team captain at PHSC and was also the team’s leading scorer. After matriculating to The University of Florida, David decided to extend his athletic career by “walking on” as a member of the Gator’s famed Track and Field team. David’s lifetime of hard work and determination paid off, coming together in 1989 at the final competition of his college career, David was crowned the Southeastern Conference Men’s High Jump Champion, and named to the All-SEC Track and Field Team. David’s jump of 7’2.5” is tied for 9th all-time for the Gator track team. He was also a two-time All-Academic Team member during his time at UF. During his time in Gainesville, David was also a two-time defending champion of the campus wide slam-dunk competition, and a member of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. David continued in athletics after college with his participation in the North Carolina Triathlon Series. He received an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and was a successful leader in the corporate world. Although achieving success athletically, academically, and professionally he remained humble and unselfish. He quickly shined the light on others with his generous heart and deep appreciation of those around him, as his proudest moments came coaching and watching his three son’s achievements through the years.

WANDA GRIFFIN

BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL

Wanda Griffin Like many great Leopards athletes, Wanda was known for her speed and agility. on the basketball court and on the softball field. She was a key component on two of Hernando High’s most successful teams. On the basketball court Wanda was the point guard directing Coach Cermak’s offense to the state Regional Finals in 1985. She excelled at getting the ball to the right people that year setting the record for most assists in a season with 124, which still stands today. For her efforts Wanda was selected to the All-Conference Team. Wanda was also integral to the success of the softball team as shortstop, where her defense saved many a game for the Leopards. Because of her athletic prowess she was selected to the All-Gulf Coast Conference Team. During the historic 1985 season, as the Hernando Lady Leopards won the 1985 State Championship. After High School Wanda has served her community as a correctional officer. She continues to display her athletic abilities by participating in the Women’s Professional Flag Football League, and coed softball.

ANDY ORAVEC

FOOTBALL, BASEBALL

Andy Oravec A 1949 graduate of Hernando High School, Andrew “Andy” Oravec enters the HHS Sports Hall of Fame as a two-sport athlete having played both baseball and football for the mighty Leopards. As a baseball player, he excelled under the guidance of legendary coach Tom Varn, Sr. However, it was on the football field where Oravec made his mark. In 1948, as a tough, bruising right guard, the All-Conference Oravec helped lead the Leopards to an undefeated season resulting in a West Coast Conference Championship title for the first time in a decade. Incredibly, Oravec and his teammates held their opponents to a combined six points all season. Whether on the field or in the classroom Oravec’s drive and leadership were always on display. He served as class president for his freshman and senior years, was an officer of the Key Club and Future Farmers of America (FFA), as well as a member of the student council and Beta Club. His athletic and academic prowess earned him a football scholarship to Vanderbilt University, however, an injury his freshman year ended his athletic career, and he transferred to his beloved University of Florida. After earning his degree in poultry husbandry from UF, Oravec returned to his hometown of Masaryktown to put his agricultural acumen to use by opening a number of highly successful chicken farms and a processing plant. He eventually sold those businesses and turned his sights toward real estate investing, building Community Hospital in New Port Richey in 1971 where he maintained a leadership role until his retirement in 2000. Throughout his life, Oravec remained a proud Leopard supporter and fan, and could often be found in the stands of football, basketball and baseball games. He particularly enjoyed watching the athletic endeavors of the generations of his family that also passed through the halls of Hernando High School.

BLANE BROWN

GOLF

Blane Brown Blane Brown enters the Hernando High School Athletic Hall of Fame as one of the most formidable golfers in the school’s history. As a varsity member of the golf team for all four years of his high school career, Brown was named not only team Most Valuable Player each year, but he also earned All-District and All-Conference honors each year as well. He was crowned district champion in 1990 and 1991, and conference champion in 1992 and 1993 where he set a then school record for a nine-hole match of four under par (32). What began locally on the links of the Brooksville Country Club would eventually turn to statewide and national recognition. Impressively, in both 1991 and 1992 Brown qualified for the USGA Jr. Amateur Championship (along with Tiger Woods); earned the title as the 1992 North Suncoast Junior Golf Association Player of the Year; and earned two Back to School Junior Classic championships, including setting a tournament record of 7-under-par 63—a mark previously held by eventual PGA professional David Duval. In 1996, as a collegiate athlete and team captain at the University of North Florida, Brown continued his course dominance as a second-team All-America golfer, earning seven Top 10 finishes that year (21 Top 10 finishes throughout his college career) and placing third in both the NCAA Division II regional championship and the conference championship. Brown found professional success as a three-time winner on the Florida Professional Golf Tour and competed in the Canadian Masters and Ontario Open as a member of PGA Tour Canada. Perhaps most notable, however, were Brown’s contributions off the course. At just 20 years old, while a student at UNF, he proudly served first as vice president and then as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His leadership and ministry were a testament to his faith and set an example of service to the hundreds of young athletes he guided over his tenure. Brown’s strong moral character, his leadership, and legacy of service lives on through his children Kendall and Davis of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and with his extended Brooksville family.

JERMAINE GREEN

FOOTBALL, TRACK AND FIELD

Jermaine Green With impressive speed and agility, Jermaine Green was a dual threat for the Hernando High School Leopards. As a three-year varsity member of the track team, Green set school records in both the 100 and 200-meter sprints earning him All-Conference track accolades in 1992 and 1993. Yet, it was his athleticism and prowess on the football field that brought national recognition. Green led the Leopards to a county championship in 1992 and by 1993 he had become one of the most sought-after college recruits in the country, rushing for 1,748 yards and 23 touchdowns his senior year alone. Crowned the 1993 Player of the Year by the Tampa Tribune, Green was also named to the St. Pete Times All-Suncoast Team, was a first-team All-State pick, and earned an honorable mention on the USA Today All-America team on his way to becoming a Top 50 player in the state and a Blue Chip All-American recruit. With multiple college offers, Green claimed a roster spot at the same place where his father made a name for himself as one of the school’s all-time greats more than a decade earlier, Florida State University. As a 1993 recruit, Green joined the most highly coveted recruiting class in the nation, along with future NFL players Warrick Dunn, Peter Boulware, E.G. Green and others. Unsurprisingly, with an arsenal of talent, FSU would go on to earn their first NCAA National Championship that same year. Throughout his playing career at FSU, Green’s versatility made him a valuable asset on both sides of the line of scrimmage, becoming the first player legendary coach Bobby Bowden tapped to play both offense and defense in the same game. Upon completion of his playing career, Green continued his education by earning a certificate in Information Technology from Withlacoochee Technical Institute before returning to his hometown of Brooksville where he currently owns and operates a successful lawn care business. Jermaine Green is recognized as a member of the Hernando High School Athletic Hall of Fame, not just for his exceptional athletic talent, but for his continued example of leadership, integrity and a valued citizen of the Brooksville community.

JOHNNY BRACKINS

TRACK AND FIELD, BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL

Johnny Brackins Whether on the football field, the basketball court or the track, Johnny Brackins was an imposing and dominant figure on the Hernando High School campus. A three-sport athlete, Brackins also participated in the marching/concert band for three years, playing percussion the drum line. Yet, it was in athletics where Brackins left his mark. On the football field, the lanky wide receiver scored touchdowns for the Leopards as both a junior varsity and varsity player. On the basketball court, Brackins played on the varsity team all three years of his high school career, earning All-Conference and All-District honors every year, and second-team All-State his senior year. Yet, it was his excellence on the track where colleges nationwide took notice. Throughout his three years on the Hernando High School varsity track team, Brackins earned All-Conference, All-District, All-Region and All-State honors every single year. Brackins set a school record in triple jump (48’8”) leading to collegiate track and field scholarship offers from across the country. Accepting a full ride from the University of Kansas, Brackins was a four-time All-Conference athlete for the Jayhawks and remains third on the all-time KU triple jump leader board. In 1988, Brackins qualified for the U.S Olympics Trials, and in 1990, he became the Big Eight Conference Triple Jump Champion. After retiring his cleats, Brackins continued to pursue his passion for sports. Aside from his full-time job with the Social Security Administration for nearly 30 years, Brackins has coached both high school basketball and high school track and field for more than two decades. For his contribution to Hernando High School athletics, his example of leadership and excellence and on behalf of the hundreds of young athletes he has mentored through the years, Johnny Brackins is honored as a 2019 inductee of the Hernando High School Sports Hall of Fame.

LEELA HADSOCK-LORTZ

CROSS COUNTRY, TRACK AND FIELD

Leela Hadsock-Lortz Known for her academic, musical and athletic talent, Leela Hadsock-Lortz was a triple threat on the Hernando High School campus. In the classroom, she was an officer in the Interact Service Club, a member of the Academic Team and an honor roll student. She was also captain of the drumline and played percussion, yet it was on the track where she truly shined. Running both cross country and track, Hadsock-Lortz consistently qualified for the state championship in both disciplines, earning consecutive Top 10 cross country finishes. She was the conference and district champion in the 800 and 1600-meter races for multiple years and ran the anchor leg on the district champion 4 x 800-meter relay team. In addition to being named the 2003 Times Runner of the Year, Hadsock-Lortz set school records in the 5K, 800 and 1600 meters, earned first-team All-Conference, All-District and All-State honors her junior and senior year; and brought home a state championship in the 800 meters during a remarkable undefeated 2005 season. A tenacious worker on the field and off, with a 4.2 GPA and a reputation for excellence, Hadsock-Lortz fielded multiple academic, music and athletic scholarship offers, eventually accepting a scholarship to the University of Tampa. She was a dominant runner for the Spartans throughout her four-year collegiate career, competing in the NCAA Cross Country Championship, and setting school records in the 400, 800, and 1500-meter races. Her 800-meter time of 2:13.8 still stands today as the University of Tampa school record. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in music education, Hadsock-Lortz turned her focus and passion toward teaching. Instilling her competitive spirit, her band and orchestra ensembles consistently receive the highest ratings at festivals and competitions. She is currently the director of orchestra and percussion at Farnell Middle School in Tampa, Fla. where she resides with her husband Scott and son Koen. For her continued example of leadership and her contribution to Hernando High School athletics, Leela Hadsock-Lortz is welcomed into the 2019 Hernando High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

MARCEY LEE-ABRECHT

BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL

Marcey Lee-Abrecht During her three years at Hernando High School, Marcey Lee-Abrecht was one of the school’s dominant athletes. Named “Most Athletic” in the 1985 school superlatives, she excelled equally on the basketball court and the softball field. In basketball, Lee-Abrecht, a shooting guard turned post player, became the first female in the school’s history to score more than 1,000 points over a three-year span. Along the way, she earned the title as the 1984 Gulf Coast Conference Basketball Player of the Year. It was an honor she earned again her senior year, establishing yet another “first” for the Leopards, as the first female in the school’s history to take home consecutive Player-of-the-Year honors. In every year of her high school basketball career, Lee-Abrecht was named to the All-Conference and All-Area teams and received first-team All North Suncoast nods her junior and senior year, as well. On the softball field, it was Lee-Abrecht’s power at the plate that helped lead the Leopards to a spectacular 28-1 season that culminated in a 1984 state championship. Once again, she was dually awarded All-Conference, All-Area, and first-team All North Suncoast honors. As a member of the National Honor Society, student government, and being ranked in the top 5 percent of her class, Lee’s academic credentials were as impressive as her athletics. She accepted a scholarship from the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point where she was listed as the No. 1 incoming recruit for women’s basketball, later becoming the team’s Most Valuable Basketball Player. As a true testament to her natural athleticism, she even earned Most Improved Volleyball Player honors while at the academy in a sport she had never before played. Having initially been inducted into the 2018 Hernando High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the Leopards’ 1984 State Championship softball team, Lee-Abrecht re-enters the Hall of Fame for her individual contribution as a premier student-athlete and in recognition of her leadership and athletic excellence.

ANDREW WILLIAMS JR

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, TRACK AND FIELD

The Hernando High School Sports Hall of Fame serves to honor yesteryear’s achievements as today’s inspirations. True to that axiom, the acclaim and accomplishments of Andrew Williams, Jr. serve as a source of pride and school spirit to the Leopard Nation. To that end, Andy Williams’ athletic achievements, community service, and civic involvement serve as an inspiration worthy of emulation. So melded were Andy’s talents as an athlete and his strength of character that he was recognized by the National Association of Counties as a “Point of Light” for Hernando County. Andy, a Moton High School 1966 graduate, was a four-sport star in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was a quarterback and defensive back on the gridiron; a power forward as a hoopster; a hard hitting first baseman and pitcher on the diamond, and, he threw the javelin and high jumped in track. His considerable skills merited him being selected as All-Area in football and basketball in 1965 and 1966. His performances on the gridiron earned him a full football scholarship to Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. His basketball skills also offered him the opportunity to be a preferred basketball walk-on at Villanova University. Andy’s love of country and community however resulted in him eschewing sports in favor of joining the United States Air Force where he proudly and honorably served our nation. While in the Air Force, Andy continued his athletic participation and was a valuable member of his Armed Services basketball teams that won the 1968 Base Championship at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and the 1972 Air Force Logistic Command Championship in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After serving eight years as a staff sergeant in the Air Force, Andy attended the University of the Virgin Islands. Subsequently, Andy returned to Hernando County where he earned acclaim and praise for his citizenship in government and community service.

HILTON "MAC" JOHNSON

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL

Mac Johnson, Class of 1956, enters the Hall of Fame as a three-sport letterman in baseball, basketball, and football. A quintessential all-around athlete, Mac was a four-year starter for the Leopards on the diamond, on the court, and on the gridiron. In baseball, Mac was a slick fielding, hard hitting shortstop when not dominating on the mound as one of the best pitchers in the State of Florida. His gaudy batting average and equally impressive pitching statistics merited All-Conference honors for three consecutive years. In basketball, his tenacity, determination and competitive spirit were in full display as he earned All-Conference recognition his junior and senior years. In football – the team captain and Sr. Class President – was a two-way star playing corner back on defense and half back on offense. To complete the athletic trifecta, he was also named All-Conference for two years in football. After graduating from HHS, Mac attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee where he continued to display his athletic skills by lettering in both football and baseball. His college playing days ended prematurely when Uncle Sam came calling with a draft notice from the United States Army. While serving his country, the Army knew a good thing when they saw it – so Mac was chosen to play for the Army’s Ft. Sam Houston baseball team on which he was an outstanding player. Mac - a pre-draft era baseball prospect – also played professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds. The talented athlete rose through the minor league ranks of the Reds farm system and played at the AA and AAA level. When his playing days were over, Mac moved to Thomasville, Georgia where he became a successful owner of his own business; and, where he and his wife, the former Abbie Dorminy, raised three children. They now have 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A natural leader and community minded citizen, Mac devoted his life to his family, his faith, and his community. He was instrumental in starting the baseball program at Thomas University, starting youth baseball programs, coaching youth athletics, and spear-heading the preservation and refurbishing of the historic Thomasville baseball stadium.

TRACY BRIDGES-GREY

BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, SOFTBALL

Tracy Bridges-Grey, formerly Tracy Bridges, is one of the Lady Leopard’s most acclaimed all-around athletes. Tracy, Class of 1988, was a star in volleyball, basketball, and softball earning eight varsity letters in her prep career. Voted HHS’s “Most Athletic” her senior year, Tracy was also selected as State of Florida Class 3A Female Co-Athlete of the Year in 1988. In volleyball, Tracy was named All-Conference; All-North Sun Coast; All-Area. and Second Team All-State during her senior year. In basketball, she was selected All-Conference, All-North Suncoast, and All-Area in both her junior and senior years. On the diamond, this future hall-of-famer was honored as an All-Conference, All-North Suncoast, and All-Area softball player for the Leopards in both 1987 and 1988. Tracy’s talents earned her a scholarship to play basketball at the collegiate level, initially at Central Florida Community College and then at East Tennessee State University. As a four-year starter and team captain, she became a premier power forward for the Buccaneers. A deadly free-throw shooter, she was consistently ranked among the top free-throw shooters in the nation at 85 per cent. She remains one of ETSU’s all time free-throw percentage leaders. Upon graduation with a degree in criminal justice, Tracy has dedicated her life to helping children and families with children by working within Florida’s child welfare and juvenile justice system. Her focus and efforts on behalf of children has also been manifest by her involvement in the fight against human trafficking, through her service on the State of Florida Child Welfare Ethics Review Committee, and her work with Heartland for Children. Tracy’s hall-of-fame credentials as an athlete, coupled with her humanitarian efforts on behalf of vulnerable children, are worthy of admiration and respect from all alumni of Hernando High School.

MICHAEL HAMILTON

WRESTLING, FOOTBALL

Michael R. Hamilton, Class of 1982, was a three-sport star during his years at Hernando High School where he excelled in wrestling, football and track and field. Hernando High’s rise to the status of a perennial state powerhouse in wrestling had as its genesis HHS’s first individual state championship that was won by Mike in 1982. Mike’s Hall of Fame credentials were also bolstered by his outstanding performances on the gridiron. His prep wrestling career featured multiple match victories during his junior and senior years. His state championship crowned his senior year. In football, Mike earned accolades as a Leopard linebacker during his junior and senior campaigns. He was honorable mention all-conference and a member of the St. Petersburg Times All-North Suncoast Team in 1981. In 1982, he was named to the Tampa Tribune All-Area Team and to the St. Petersburg Times All-North Suncoast Team. Upon graduation, Mike played collegiately at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. He was a four-year starter at linebacker for the Governors and is ranked as one of their all-time leaders in tackles including tackles for loss and quarterback sacks. After receiving his degree from Austin Peay, Mike entered the world of corporate finance wherein he spent most of his professional career working for automotive giant, Ford Motor Credit Company. Mike’s good citizenship -a hallmark of his character - has been on display through his dedication to charitable causes including Habitat for Humanity, Junior Diabetes Research Foundation, United Way and the Angel Tree Foundation. Mike and his wife, Sondra, are active supporters of Austin Peay State University.

MICHAEL REVELL

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK

Michael Revell, class of 1980, joins the Leopards’ Sports Hall of Fame as a three-sport athlete who excelled in football, basketball and track. As a prep track athlete, Mike was an All-Conference, All-District, All-Regional, and All-State performer with many meet victories to his credit, including the Silver medal in the long jump at the 3-A State Championship in 1980. Mike also was possessed with great athletic talent on the hardwood. His basketball skills resulted in him being named All-Conference and All-Area in his junior and senior years. On the gridiron, however, is where Mike’s athleticism, skills and toughness were on full display. The team captain - one of Hernando High’s all-time outstanding running backs – was honored for his consistent performances by being named All Conference and All-Area in both 1979 and 1980. Mike’s skill and reputation as a fast, agile, and powerful running back followed him to the college of his choice, Bethune Cookman College. As a Wildcat, Mike amassed 2500 career rushing yards with 22 touchdowns and 59 receptions. As evidence of his dominance between the goal lines, Mike was named Mid-Eastern Athlete Conference Freshman of the Year. As further validation of his football prowess, Mike was an 8th round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1984 National Football League Draft. After his playing days were behind him, Mike continued to live in the Dallas area and has been active in coaching youth baseball and football and in volunteering at homeless shelters.

ALLEN LEAVITT

FOOTBALL, SOCCER

Though his tenure at Hernando High was short but outstanding, his mark as a Leopard alumnus is long and impressive. Allan Leavitt began his kicking career at Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg. As captain of the soccer team, he led his team to the 1969 State Soccer Championship. It was after he transferred to Hernando High School for his senior year that his fame ascended to stardom. A soccer-styled kicker with a golden leg, Allan won All-State football honors as a punter and placekicker his senior year. The 1973 Hernando High graduate was the number two ranked kicker in America upon graduation. Possessed with extraordinary talents as a kicker, Allan earned a football scholarship from the University of Georgia. Allan was one of the nation’s most outstanding kickers during the four years that he punted and kicked for the Bulldogs. He held six SEC kicking records while kicking for the Red and Black, including longest field goal at a prodigious 58 yards. Allan was named to the All-SEC freshman team in 1973 and All-SEC in 1976. In 1976, Allan received the ultimate collegiate honor by being named to the All-American Team. Allan was drafted in the 4th round by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1977 National Football League draft. During a successful NFL career, Allan played for the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Giants. He was the Buccaneers’ leading scorer in 1977. Allan also played for Jacksonville in the American Football Association from 1980-1983, making all-league specialist each year. After retirement from professional football, Allan worked for IBM in corporate America. Allan has been coaching kickers and special teams at the Bolles School in Jacksonville since 2000. As a coach, he has coached over 31 kickers, punters and long snappers who have earned college scholarships – eight of whom have gone on to play in the NFL. Allan lives in Jacksonville with his wife, Gail. They are the proud parents of two sons and proud grandparents to three grandchildren.

TARA ALLEN

GOLF

Tara Allen, Class of 2005, enters the Hall of Fame as an acclaimed Lady Leopard golfer. During a fabled amateur and prep golfing career, Tara was a master of the links. As an amateur, Tara dominated play on the North Suncoast Junior Golf Association circuit. Her honors included multiple championships as well as being named the Association’s Player of the Year. In High School, Tara’s golfing talents placed her among the elite lady prep golfers in the State of Florida. Her elite status is reflected in her being Conference champion as well as being named All-Conference her sophomore, junior and senior years. Tara was also District champion her junior year; and she was a three-peat GCAC Player of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2005. The lady linkster played collegiate golf at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As a Lady Falcon, Tara’s preeminent golfing status rocketed during her four years on the Women’s Golf Team. She was her team’s Most Valuable Player for three straight years. She was named NAIA Sun Conference Team and Conference Player of the Year in 2006. Tara is the holder of multiple other golfing awards and accolades including being named NAIA First Team All American her sophomore, junior and senior years in college. A true scholar-athlete, she was also named Academic All-Conference her final three years at ERAU as well as ESPN Small College All-Academic Team in 2008. With her name etched in Emory-Riddle’s records book in multiple categories, Tara graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology. She earned her master’s degree in human Factors and Systems from Emory-Riddle in 2010. Professionally, Tara works as a Human Factors & Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman Corporation in Melbourne, Florida where she has continued to exemplify in her professional life the qualities that she manifested both athletically and scholastically while at Hernando High and Emory-Ridge.

LESTER BROWN JR

FOOTBALL, BASEBALL

LESTER BROWN, JR. “Bad! Bad! Lester Brown, baddest man in the whole darn town!” - so played the Leopard Marching Band to overflowing crowds on Friday nights at Tom Fisher Stadium in 1974 as Lester Brown, Jr., excited the fans with his electric performances on the gridiron. Lester Brown, Jr., class of 1974, was renowned for his hall-of-fame-worthy skills and talents as a two-sport athletic star for the Leopards. He excelled as a linebacker and running back on the football field and as a hard-nosed slugging catcher on the diamond at Emerson Field. Lester’s reputation as a prep performer extraordinaire is manifest as evidenced by his accolades and honors. In football he was named First Team All-Conference. First Team All-State; and High School All-American. He was named his team’s most valuable player; lead the team in rushing; set the rushing record for a single game with 233 yards; and set the season rushing record with 1,700 yards. These accomplishments, accompanied by his baseball prowess, resulted in Lester being name the Class of 1974’s “Most Athletic”. So skillful was Lester as a prep star, he earned a scholarship to play football and baseball at Albany State College. Unfortunately, a major injury forced him to redirect his goals from athletic pursuits in favor of a military career through the Army ROTC program at the University of Central Florida where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. Upon graduation he served his country as an army officer, retiring with the rank of Captain. Following his military service, Lester entered into Corporate-America wherein he held multiple management positions with major corporations such as Mobile, Kraft, Kellogg, and Country Home Bakers. While a successful business executive, Lester continued to display a whimsical side. Lester is in the 1996 Guinness Book of World Records as the maker of the world’s largest bagel. Lester, the proud father of four children, is now retired.

RICHARD GANT JR

WRESTLING, BASEBALL

RICHARD DAVIS GANT, JR. Richard Davis Gant, Jr., HHS Class of 1998, enters the Hall of Fame by virtue of being a four-year letterman as a Leopard wrestler. As a Leopard grappler, Richard possesses a gaudy career match record of 120 wins and 16 losses. The powerful dynamo-of-the-mat finished first in his weight category in twelve different prestigious tournaments – a fete of unparallel achievement. In the State Championship Tournaments in which he participated during his four year prep wrestling career, Richard had a third place and a second-place finish to go along with his State Championship in 1997. Regarded as one of the most successful wrestlers in the state-renown Leopard wrestling program, Richard participated in the 1998 National High School Coaches Association Wrestling Championship and was so dominant that he earned All-American honors for his wrestling prowess. Upon graduation from Hernando High, Richard attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona on a wrestling scholarship where he wrestled for two years as a mat man for the Eagles. In college, Richard continued to demonstrate that he was a wrestler par excellent as evidence by the fact that he was a two-time qualifier for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship. Richard now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona where he works as an engineer with a manufacturing company. Richard is married, the father of an 18-month-old daughter, and he and his wife are expecting their second child before the end of the year.

TOM KIRBY

GOLF

TOM KIRBY Tom Kirby - Class of 1983 - enters the Hall of Fame having amassed heralded credentials during his high school, collegiate and amateur golfing career. A naturally talented linksman, Tom began to display an array of talent for the game on the junior golf circuit throughout Central Florida by winning multiple tournaments in the Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association and Tri County Junior Golf Association. As a prep golfer, Tom set the gold standard. He was named a Gatorade National Athlete of the year in 1983. As a four-year Leopard letterman, Tom earned All Gulf Coast Conference honors in his freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years. During the same four-year time period, he made the St. Pete Times All North Suncoast Team and the Tampa Tribune All North Suncoast First team; and, he was named Player of the Year multiple times. His unique blend of skills as a prodigious driver of the ball coupled with a deft touch around the greens made Tom an elite collegiate prospect. Tom was awarded with a NCAA Division I scholarship to play golf for the University of South Florida. Tom was a four-year starting team member for the Bulls’ golf team. So, refined was his skill set, he played as the number one position for the USF team as a freshman. As a stalwart team member for the only USF Team to ever finish in the top 20 in the NCAA Championship Finals in 1987 and for his stellar individual performances, Tom was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference Team three consecutive times. Tom graduated from USF in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Upon graduation, Tom entered the business world and has successfully held multiple management positions. Even as an amateur, both before and after graduation, Tom was successful in many amateur golfing tournaments. He is a four-time winner of the Brooksville Tangerine Invitational Tournament; a six-time club champion of the Brooksville Golf & Country Club; a winner of the Ben Hill Griffin Amateur Golf Tournament; as well as numerous other tournament victories.

BILL LANE

BASKETBALL, TRACK

BILL LANE Bill Lane, Class of 1966, a three-year varsity letterman dominated the hardboards and backboards as a Leopard cager. Bill’s performances on the Leopard’s basketball courts are legendary - ablaze with record setting fetes. Bill was a stalwart hoopster during the glory days of Leopard basketball in the mid 1960’s. He was a key cog in the 1964 team that finished the regular season undefeated, a team that only lost in the conference championship game and in the regional playoffs. He was named All Tampa Bay Conference and HHS basketball MVP his junior and senior years. A leader both on and off the court, Bill also ran the hurdles in track and was elected Senior Class Vice President. During his prep career, Bill amassed nine HHS basketball records including most career points and rebounds. His basketball talent yielded a full athletic basketball scholarship to North Florida Junior College. While in junior college, he competed at the highest level, holding his own against future NBA players from FSU, Florida, and Jacksonville University such as Dave Cowens of the Boston Celtics. His 17.7 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game in his sophomore year earned him All-State recognition. His junior college performances amplified his reputation as a superb basketball talent and resulted in numerous scholarship offers throughout the nation. Bill accepted an athletic scholarship to play his final two years for the University of West Florida Argonauts. For the Argonauts, Bill was a scoring and defensive star for a strong West Florida team that competed at a high level within the collegiate ranks. After averaging over 18 points per game his senior year, Bill graduated as the recipient of numerous basketball awards. After college graduation, he was a coach and teacher for several years in North Florida. His intelligence and leadership skills though led him back to college and he obtained his master's in business administration in the field of finance from FSU. Bill then had a long and successful career in commercial banking and insurance before retiring in Brooksville

BENJAMIN MARTUCCI

CROSS COUNTRY, TRACK

BENJAMIN D. MARTUCCI This star prep and collegiate track athlete, and current Florida Southern College head coach, is a 2007 graduate of Hernando High School. Benjamin D. Martucci excelled in track and cross country during his years as a Leopard. One of the most decorated track and cross-country athletes in Hernando High history, Ben was an All-State performer in both track and cross country his junior and senior years. As a multi-faceted runner, Ben excelled at distances ranging from the 800 meters, the mile, 1500 meters, 5,000 meters, and cross country. He set the school record in the 1600 with a time of 4 minutes 17 seconds in 2007. He was also a member of school record-setting team events in the 4 x 1 mile, the DMR, and the 4 x 800 meter relay. Ben ran collegiate track and cross country at Florida Southern College. Ben ranks as one of the top distance runners in Moccasin history. During his four-year career, he was a two-time Sunshine State Conference individual cross country champion and ran on four SSC championship teams and one South Regional championship team qualifying for the Division II National meet three out of his four years as a Moccasin. He was named SSC Runner of the Year as a junior and senior and was team MVP both years. In track, he owns the Moccasins’ best times in the 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters. He graduated from Florida Southern in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in human movement and performance and earned a Masters in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University. Upon graduation from Florida Southern, Ben immediately became an assistant coach for cross country and track for his alma mater. In 2013, Ben became the head coach for the Moccasins’ cross country and track teams. Though very early into his coaching career, Ben has already been named his conference’s coach of the year, as well as receiving Region Coach of the Year honors.

BRENT STENTZ

BASEBALL

BRENT STENTZ Brent Stentz, Class of 1993, enjoyed a fabled prep, college, and professional baseball career. Brent honed his baseball skills beginning at the age of 5 through successive years of participation in the renowned Hernando Youth League program. A giant on the mound, both literally and figurative, Brent’s prep career casts a giant shadow of achievement. The right-handed hurler earned All-Conference honors his junior and senior years. In his senior year he merited selection to the 1993 All-State Team as well as the 1993 National All-Star Team. So dominant was his presence on the mound, he caught the attention of professional scouts and as a result Brent was drafted by the San Diego Padres out of high school. Electing to attend college instead of signing with the Padres, Brent pitched for two years for Pasco Hernando State College. His impressive performances continued with the Conquistadors, and he was named All Conference in 1995. In 1995, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and decided that his time had come to play professional baseball. Brent played within the Tigers’ farm system and in 1997 was placed on Detroit’s 40-man major league roster. He continued to impress the Tiger’s organization as he dominated at the AA and AAA level racking up impressive credentials and honors. His honors included being named the New Britain Rock Cats (AA) MVP; the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year; Topps Minor League Pitcher of the Year. and, by virtue of his league record 43 saves - the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. On a path toward the major leagues, Brent continued to excel at the AAA level. however, he suffered a career ending injury while pitching in a game in May of 2001. Brent’s dream of playing major league baseball behind him, Brent found a new love. He joined the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff and has been a Sergeant with the Patrol Division since 2003.

BRITTANY BELL

SOFTBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL

BRITTANY BELL A naturally blessed athlete, Brittany Bell - Class of 1997 - enters the Hall of Fame by virtue of excellence in the triad of volleyball, basketball, and softball. Brittany was a rare Leopard Lady phenom as a four-year letterman in three different sports. As an outside hitter in volleyball, Brittany was named to the All-Conference and All-District teams her junior and senior year. As a shooting guard in basketball, she was selected as All-Conference and All-District as a sophomore, junior and senior. In her senior year she was all honored as an All-Area selection. A hall-of-fame worthy performer in any of the three sports in which she excelled, it was her performance on the softball diamond that elevated her status to that of one of the Leopard’s all time elite athletes. In softball, Brittany’s trade-mark aggressive, rough-and-tumble style bode her well. Her skills resulted in her being named All-Conference and All-District in 1995, 1996 and 1997. As a senior she was chosen as a member of the State All-star Team and received MVP honors in the All-Star game. Having been named “Most Athletic” as a senior superlative, Brittany accepted a full softball scholarship to Pasco Hernando State College. As a Lady Conquistador, Brittany was a two-year starter and received All-Conference and All-State honors while leading her team in batting average, doubles, and RBIs. Brittany played her junior and senior softball years in college on a full ride scholarship from the University of Pittsburg. She started every game her junior and senior years as a Pitt Panther; and, as a senior she led her team in stolen bases and runs scored. Upon graduation from Pitt, Brittany entered into the business world and holds a management position in one of Hernando County’s oldest family businesses.

JASON HEATHERLY

CROSS COUNTRY, TRACK

JASON HEATHERLY No greater honor hath ever been bestowed upon any Leopard than being named by legendary Hall-of-Fame Coach, Ernie Chatman, as his all-time best track and cross country distance runner. The recipient of such accolade is Jason Heatherly, Hernando High School Class of 1983. To Jason, running as a gazelle came naturally, but when combined with his work ethic, grit and determination…it was a sight to behold. With tremendous endurance and a furious competitive nature, Jason ran both track and cross country all of his four years as a Leopard. At every meet, he was the “main attraction”; and an electric since of anticipation pulsed through the crowd that knowingly sensed his next record-breaking performance. In track, he was named all four years to the All-Area team, All-Conference, All Regional team. Three times he was named to the All-State team. Jason’s track records stand even as he is now admitted to the Hall of Fame. He holds the school 2-mile record at 9:27; the 4-mile relay record, the distance medley record, and the mixed medley relay record. In cross country, Jason was equally impressive. Proving his mettle, Jason’s prestige and reputation as a running Leopard soared upon being named All Conference; All-Area; All-District; All-Regional; and All-State in each of his four years at Hernando High. He set the school record for the three-mile run during the University of Florida Invitational with a remarkable time of 14 minutes, 47 second. The St. Petersburg Times “runner of the year” - his junior and senior year - signed a track and cross-country scholarship with the University of South Florida Bulls even though he had shattered his kneecap in a severe auto accident. As a Bull, he was a top ten finisher at the Florida Collegiate State Championship in 1984. His college running career was cut short however as his surgically rebuilt knee would no longer allow him to run at the championship level for which he had achieved fame during his storied prep career. Upon graduation from college, Jason became successful, owing his own construction business while residing in Pinellas County.

VICKI SALTSMAN BALOGH

VOLLEYBALL

VICKI SALTSMAN BALOGH Vicki Saltsman Balogh, Hernando High class of 1987, was a four sports star during her four years as a Lady Leopard. Vicki lettered and excelled in volleyball, basketball, softball and track. She was the star performer on the volleyball team that earned conference, district, regional and sectional titles. Her skill as a middle hitter and setter earned for her an athletic scholarship to Florida Southern College. So storied was Vicki’s college volleyball career, it resulted in her being enshrined into the Florida Southern Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. During her career as a Florida Southern Moccasin, Vicki was named to the Sunshine State Conference Team, the All South Region Team, and the All District Academic Team. Her accolades culminated in her being honored as a Second Team All-American. During her four years at Florida Southern, Vicki’s performance on the volleyball court catapulted her into the Moccasins’ all-time charts for career kills, serving aces, and blocks. Vicki graduated from Florida Southern College in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, and Specific Learning Disabilities. She taught in the Hernando County School System and has been a home educator. Vicki is married to 1982 HHS graduate and baseball standout, Glenn Balogh. Together with Glenn, she is raising four children, volunteering in coaching youth sports, organizing home education groups, and working with youth ministries at church.

CURTIS BUNCH

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK

CURTIS JERMONE BUNCH Curtis Bunch, HHS class of 1974, excelled as a Leopard trackster, hoopster, and football star. Curtis was a four-year letterman in track and basketball – a sport in which he was named All-Conference in 1973 and 1974. However, his formidable size and athleticism parlayed Curtis into a prize recruit after only one year on the gridiron. Rewarded with a scholarship to Albany State University, Curtis displayed impressive skills as a defensive end. The Golden Ram was named Second Team All-Conference his sophomore year and First Team All-Conference his junior year. A quarterback sacking machine, Curtis was also named All-American while at Albany State. Curtis was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 1979 NFL draft. After one season with the Eagles, he signed a free agent contract to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Curtis’s foray into professional football eventually led him to play for Steve Spurrier’s Tampa Bay Bandits team in the USFL. Upon retirement from professional football, Curtis became a successful entrepreneur who owned and operated several automobile dealerships. Having built a profitable business, Curtis sold his dealerships and retired. In retirement, Curtis returned to his first love and began coaching football at Newark High School where he was able to coach his son, Malcolm who played football at the University of Miami. Curtis lives in Delaware - with his wife, Dawn, an accomplished author – where he coaches football, basketball and track. As a father he is dedicated to his wife, son and two daughters, all of whom have received athletic scholarships to college. He is also a community leader and mentor to the kids who now call him Coach Bunch.

RODNEY BYRD

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK

RODNEY BYRD Hernando High School’s Best All-Around Athlete during his senior year, Rodney Byrd is a 1978 HHS graduate. As a 4-year letterman in track and field and a 3-year letterman in football and basketball, Rodney was a prep star of envious acclaim. In track and field, Rodney was a sprint champion with a gaudy 100-yard dash speed of 9.9 seconds. Rodney also was an all-conference and all-district performer in the 100-yard dash, 200-yard dash, 4x100 relay, and in the long jump. As a lock-down cover corner defense back, Rodney’s athleticism, skills, and toughness qualifies him as one of the Leopard’s all-time best football players. His fetes between the goal lines earned him all conference and all area honors. As a hoopster, Rodney also shined as evidenced by his being named all-conference his senior year. Football was his ticket to a scholarship at Eastern Kentucky University. Rodney was a three-time letterman and helped lead the Eastern Kentucky Colonels to the 1978 NCAA 1-AA National Championship and to two additional championship games. He was a second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference pick as a junior. Rodney has been nominated as a candidate for election to the Colonels All-Century Team. After graduation from College, Rodney returned to his home and worked in the Hernando County School System as teacher and coach for over thirty years. Rodney’s sport’s experience and knowledge were qualities that ensured his being called upon to serve as Hernando High’s Athletic Director, as a head football coach, as a head track coach, as head girls’ basketball coach and head boy’s golf coach. Rodney’s career as a Leopard athlete and Leopard coach has merited his election to the Hernando High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

CHRIS DALEY

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL

CHRISTOPHER C. DALEY Chris Daley, HHS class of 1999, was a three-sport Leopard athlete who was a three-year letterman in football, basketball and baseball. While a skillful starter in basketball and baseball, it was on the gridiron that Chris was preeminent. A team captain for two years, Chris was selected the team’s most valuable defensive player his junior and senior years. He made the all-state list after having been named the district most valuable player his senior year. Regarded as one of the top 100 blue chip football players out of high school, Chris played football for the University of South Florida for four years. As a testament to his leadership skills, Chris was named a Bull’s team captain his junior and senior years. His skills and talents in full array, Chris was named to the all-conference team his senior year after having been named to the pre-season All-American Team. Having earned a national reputation as a ferocious, hard-hitting linebacker, he was included in a very select group of players who were named to the NCAA Lombardi Watch List. His playing days behind him and a Psychology degree in hand, Chris has become a business and community leader. He owns his own fitness and health business and real estate business that occupy his time when not otherwise consumed by his duties as husband to Lisa H. Daley and father to Christian and Justice. His life as a leader is also manifest in the considerable charitable activities with which he is engaged to help those of his community in need.

ALFRED HOLMES

FOOTBALL, TRACK AND FIELD

ALFRED HOLMES A Brooksville native and athletic prodigy of Moton Elementary and Moton High Schools, Alfred Holmes is a 1971 graduate of Hernando High. As a Leopard, Alfred excelled in football and in track and field. His football accolades include being the recipient of the “Killer Leopard” Award and being named the team’s Most Valuable Player. His track laurels were earned in the one-hundred-yard dash, the broad jump, and in relay events. With a 9.9 second 100-yard dash, Alfred ranks as one of the all-time fastest athletes to graduate from HHS. Alfred continued his athletic pursuits at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where he starred in football and in track. In football, his punting skills became legendary. He led the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in punting average in 1974 and 1975. He was named All-CIAA in 1974. He also continued his track career in college, continuing to display his competitive edge in the 100-yard dash, 440-yard dash, and in relay events. Alfred was inducted into the Elizabeth City State University Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Upon graduating from college, Alfred returned to his native Brooksville, married Madlyn Bradwell, and became the proud father of three children. Alfred has been a productive member of his community, having spent a career as an Environmental Specialist for the Hernando County Health Department

RAYMOND PEARSON

TRACK AND FIELD

RAYMOND PEARSON The tradition begins! On the one hundredth anniversary of the legendary accomplishments of Hernando High’s first sports’ hero, Raymond Pearson is being inducted into the Hernando High School Sports Hall of Fame. His induction into the Hall of Fame class of 2015 highlights Raymond’s accomplishments and honors the long tradition of athletics in the history of Hernando High School. Raymond was the captain of the first Hernando High School FHSAAA state championship team as well as the star of the first ever FHSAA track and field championship in 1915. Remarkably, Raymond was the state individual champion in four events, winning the 110-yard dash; the 220-yard dash; the 440-yard dash; and the shot-put. He was also the anchor on the 880-yard HHS relay team. Proving his status as a prep phenom was not fluke, Raymond also competed in the 1917 FHSAA state track and field championship and won three individual championships: the 100-yeard dash, 220-yard dash, and 440-yard dash. To this day, 100 years later, there are only four prep athletes in the entire history of Florida track and field championships with more individual titles than Raymond’s seven. This feat is even more impressive as he only competed in two FHSAA state championship meets. Building upon Raymond’s early foundation of accomplishments, Hernando High School has produced a legion of outstanding high school athletes in the century following Raymond’s triumphs of mythical proportion.

KATYE ALTERI

BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL

KATYE ALTIERI A star on the basketball court, on the softball field, in the classroom, as a scientist and in life, Katye Altieri is a graduate and salutatorian of Hernando High class of 2000. A skilled and savvy athlete, Katye was a four-year varsity letter-winner in basketball and softball whose storied athletic prep career has been superseded by an even more fabled professional career. Her prep accolades were downright gaudy. As a sophomore, she was 2nd Team All Suncoast Conference in softball. As a junior, she was 1st Team All North Suncoast and Honorable Mention All Suncoast as an outfielder, leading the Lady Leopards in runs and hits. As a senior, she was 2nd Team All Suncoast and St. Petersburg Times All Hernando/Citrus Scholar Athlete Team member for both softball and basketball. She was also named to the FACA All-Star Softball team. Her athletic ability coupled with her outstanding leadership skills and extraordinary academic accomplishments merited her being named the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. She was the recipient of the U. S. Army Reserve Scholar/Athlete award; the Gatorade Will to Win Athlete award; Academic All-State honors; Wendy’s High School Heisman award; and the coveted Tom Fisher award. Katye played softball at the College of New Jersey where she continued to excel athletically. In college, she was named a member to the 2002 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-Region, and 3rd Team Regional All-American teams. Katye was an Honors Graduate in Chemistry. Her prodigious academic achievements in full array, Katye received a PhD in Oceanography from Rutgers University in 2009 and a master's in public policy from Princeton University in 2014. In her professional career she is an eminent scholar, teacher, lecturer, and research scientist. Princeton, Rutgers, and Brown Universities being her haunt.

FRED BLACKBURN

TRACK AND FIELD

FRED BLACKBURN Fred Blackburn, Class of 1963, was a track-and-field trailblazer at Hernando High School. During the early days when HHS didn’t even have a track; Fred became a state champion trackman. One of HHS’s earliest track stars, Fred parlayed a natural gift for graceful running into a fabled high school and college track career. A four-year letterman in track, Fred’s signature event was the mile run. In his senior year, Fred won the mile event in a state-record time of 4:42 in the Class B State Championship. The 1963 State Champ was also honored by being named Hernando High’s 1963 outstanding athlete of the year. That same year he received prestigious All-State honors. Fred continued his track career at Central Florida Junior College where he ran both track and cross-country. The Spring Lake native, who as a child honed his skills by running bare-footed through the orange groves, was so impressive he earned a track scholarship to the University of Miami. As a Hurricane, Fred’s fame continued both in track and cross-country. In 1966, Fred was named most outstanding member of the University of Miami cross-country team. In 1966 Fred was the co-captain of the Hurricane cross-country team; and in 1967, he was the co-captain of the Cane’s track team. Following graduation from the University of Miami, Fred taught school and then worked as a social worker for the State of Florida for twenty-three years. Fred had a second career as a heavy equipment operator with Cemex Corporation. He is now retired back to Spring Lake where he walks bare-footed through the groves.

JOHN CAPEL

TRACK, FOOTBALL

JOHN CAPEL, JR. An Olympian and world class athlete, JOHN CAPEL, JR., enters the Hernando High School Athletic Hall of Fame as one of the most heralded Leopards of all time. John, Class of 1998, was an elite athlete at HHS who garnered national acclaim. In track, he set the school record in both the 100 and 200 meters. His phenomenal sprinter’s speed resulted in him being crowned State Champion in the 100- and 200-meter sprints. In 1997, he won the National Scholastic Championship in the 100- and 200-meter races. John was also a phenom between the goalposts. His extraordinary gridiron skills in full display, John earned national attention by being named to the prestigious 1997 Parade Magazine All-America High School Football Team. Upon graduation, John received a full athletic scholarship to play football for the University of Florida. As a Gator, John was a fleet offensive weapon in Coach Steve Spurrier’s “Fun ‘N Gun” attack. In track-and-field, John’s national reputation grew as he was named outstanding male athlete at the NCAA Championships. In 2000, John won the U S Olympic Trials in the 200 meters and traveled to Sydney, Austria to compete in the 2000 Olympics - HHS’s first Olympian! In 2001, John was drafted to play in the NFL by the Chicago Bears. After a foray into professional football, John returned to track and field where he competed as a professional trackster. He won gold medals in the 200 meter and 4 x 100-meter relay at the 2003 World Championship. In 2004, he was the number one ranked sprinter in the world in both the 100 and 200 meters. His competitive days behind him, John returned to his hometown where he is the founder of Tru Elite Athletes and Mentors, Inc., a sports mentoring league.

WALT CERMAK

GIRLS BASKETBALL

WALT CERMAK At the prep level, Hernando High School has a reputation as the “Cradle of Coaches” with many of her coaches having received both state and national acclaim for their achievements and heralded hall-of-fame status. Walter Cermak has merited joining their ranks. A prep athlete of distinction in his own right at St. Michael’s High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, the St. Leo College graduate’s tenure as an educator and coach in Hernando County began in 1977. Walt’s coaching mentorship had humble beginnings. He was the JV baseball coach in 1979 and coached the junior high girls’ basketball team until 1981. In 1981, Walt’s coaching mastery began to flourish. Walt became the Varsity girls’ basketball coach at Hernando High and the girls’ program was changed forever. Through Walt’s leadership, dedication, and inspiration, the lady leopard cagers underwent a miraculous metamorphosis wherein they changed into one of the region’s premier lady basketball programs in terms of wins and in terms of player development. During a two-decade long varsity coaching career, Walt’s lady cagers accumulated a sterling record. Under his tutelage, his teams won numerous conference, district and regional titles highlight by Final Four appearances in 1988 and 1998. The 1998 team finished with a fabulous 30-2 record, earning him All-Area “Coach of the Year” acclaim for the second time. Many of Walt’s players benefitted immeasurable from his coaching so as to merit scholarships to play at the collegiate level. As an educator, Walt’s zeal for teaching equaled his zeal for coaching. Until his retirement in 2012, he taught English and journalism at the middle school and high school level.

ED CHESTER SR

FOOTBALL, TRACK AND FIELD

EDWARD CHESTER Edward Chester, Moton Class of 1961, joins the HHS Athletic Hall of Fame for both his noteworthy prep and college athletic achievements and for his many years as a dedicated coach, educator, and administrator in Hernando County. Ed was an impressive all-round athlete during his years at Moton High School, with football being his forte. His athletic artfulness earned him a grant-in-aid scholarship to St. Augustine College. At St. Augustine College, Ed was a gritty two-way lineman in football playing tight end and defensive end. Ever versatile as an athlete, Ed also threw the javelin for the Falcon’s track team. In track, Ed earned 2nd Team All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors. The capstone of Ed’s collegiate athletic endeavors was being name St. Augustine College “Athlete of the Year.” With his college degree in hand, Ed returned to Hernando County and distinguished himself as an outstanding member of the academic community both as a coach and as an educator. Ed began his career at HHS where he taught physical education and coached football. Showing wisdom by turning to a Leopard to inaugurate a new athletic program, the Hernando School District selected Ed to start the football program at the newly created Springstead High School. Ed was a stalwart in the development of the Eagles’ fledgling athletic programs as he coached football, basketball, track and tennis. After having been a popular teacher and inspiring coach for many years, Ed subsequently became an administrator within the school system. Ed’s dedication and devotion to the children of Hernando County as a teacher, coach, and administrator is worthy of the admiration and emulation of the “Leopard Nation.”

ADDISON CHIPOLETTI

WRESTLING, FOOTBALL

ADDISON CHIPOLETTI Hernando High School has earned the reputation as one of Florida’s elite prep wresting programs. The success of Leopard grapplers in State wrestling competitions over the past several decades has been a lynchpin of a heralded athletic tradition at Hernando High. The athletic prowess of Addison Chipoletti as a prep wrestler is the stuff of which boyhood dreams are made. Renowned for his phenomenal work ethic, the 2005 graduate is the unparalleled holder of four individual state championship titles. Addison won the state wrestling championship in his weight category during his sophomore, junior and senior years: 2003, 2004, and 2005. A multi-sport athlete, Addison won his fourth individual state championship title by winning the 2005 state weight lifting title in his weight category. Addison’s prep wrestling skills earned him a wrestling scholarship to Menlo College in Atherton, California. Addison’s love of country led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps where he served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and was part of an ELITE mission called Operation Strike Sword. Having benefited from his military experience, Addison studied Aviation Maintenance Technology at the National Aviation Academy.

DANIEL "TIGER" MERRITT JR

TENNIS

DANIEL B. “TIGER” MERRITT, JR. Renowned as Hernando High’s best ever tennis player, Daniel B. “Tiger” Merritt, Jr., is a 1981 honors graduate. Tiger was the Leopard’s #1 Singles player for three years, and #1 Doubles player for two years. A team co-captain, Tiger was selected All Gulf Coast Conference each of his prep years. His renown on the court was chronicled as the Tampa Tribune Player of the Year in 1981 and the St. Petersburg Times 1980 and 1981 North Suncoast Player of the Year. Additional accolades followed his success in District and State tournaments. Tiger set or holds six HHS tennis records including most season and most career wins. Tiger earned a tennis scholarship to the junior college powerhouse tennis program at Seminole Community College. Amassing an impressive 44-6 record during his two seasons at Seminole, Tiger was a valuable member of the school’s 1982 and 1983 NJCAA National Championship Teams. Tiger earned an additional tennis scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Martin. At UT Martin, Tiger played #1 Singles and # 1 Doubles for two seasons eventually becoming the programs’ first NCAA All-American in tennis in 1985. The Collegiate All-American developed an impressive résumé resulting in his team being nationally ranked. Individually, Tiger was nationally ranked among the top fifteen players in his division. His stellar career at UT Martin was recognized by his induction into the Skyhawks’ Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. Upon graduation, Tiger attended law school at The Cumberland School of Law and obtained a Juris Doctorate degree in 1990. He returned to Brooksville and engaged in the practice of law for 16 years. Currently Judge Merritt is serving as a Circuit Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit for Hernando County. This HHS star has indeed distinguished himself on the court!

HERCULES LEE MOORE

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, TRACK

HERCULES LEE MOORE The Hall of Fame is for heroes. There are those who are honored for fetes of achievement in athletic competition. Then again there are a scare few whose fetes of heroism transcend their athletic endeavors. Hercules Lee Moore was one who was not only a high school sports hero, but Hercules was a hero as a patriot who died in his country’s service. Between 1962 and 1967, Hercules was a four-year letterman at Moton High School as an outstanding four-sport athlete in football, basketball, baseball and track-and-field. Blessed with blazing speed and agility, it was Hercules’ talents on the football field that became legendary. Hercules’ impressive football skills was acknowledged by his being named all conference by the Mid-8-Athletic Conference his senior year. He was also honored by being named by the Conference’s coaches as Conference Player of the Year in 1966. In 1967, Hercules became one of “the few and the proud” when he enrolled into the United States Marine Corps. In the ultimate act of heroism, Hercules was killed in the line of duty by enemy machine gun fire while attempting to aid his fellow wounded Marines during a firefight in Vietnam in 1968. His bravery was honored by the United States of America through the award of the Bronze Star. The Hernando High School Athletic Hall of Fame is honored to have an American Hero enshrined as one of its members.

MIKE WALKER

BASEBALL

MIKE WALKER Hernando High’s first graduate to play in Major League Baseball, Mike Walker was a 1984 Leopard graduate. A hard throwing righty, Mike holds school season and career records for strikeouts. A two-year letterman, Mike was named to all conference and all area teams. His senior year, he was chosen for the Florida High School All Star Game and was voted District Player of the Year. Following graduation, Mike was drafted in the fourteenth round by the Montreal Expos; however, he elected to accept a baseball scholarship at Seminole Community College. So impressive was Mike’s performance as a freshman, the Expos again drafted Mike albeit in the first round of the 1985 draft. Mike again left Montreal at the altar. He returned for his sophomore year at Seminole College where he established himself as one of the best pitchers in Florida. Upon graduation from Seminole College, the third time proved to be a charm and Mike signed a professional baseball contract with the Cleveland Indians in 1986 eschewing a scholarship offer to play baseball at Florida State University. As Cleveland’s second round pick, Mike made a meteoric rise through the Indian’s minor league ranks making his major league debut on September 9, 1988 at the age of 21 – the youngest player to play in major league baseball that season. Mike enjoyed a long and productive career in professional baseball playing with four teams: the Cleveland Indians, the Detroit Tigers, the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. Over a career that spanned fourteen years, Mike played portions of five seasons in the Major Leagues. Mike enjoyed many accolades as a pitcher; and his game hat as the winning pitcher in the Cubs 9000th franchise win is enshrined in baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Upon retiring from baseball in 1999, Mike became the City of Brooksville Parks and Recreation Director. He has also served as a director and President of Hernando Youth Leagues, Inc. Mike has also passed along his sport’s knowledge by coaching youth league baseball and football.

DEE BROWN

BASEBALL, FOOTBALL

Dee Brown, Hernando High School Class of 2001, is truly a legacy alumnus. Dee follows the footsteps of his father - the legendary Jerome Brown - into the Hall of Fame. Dee - a member of the National Honor Society - was a standout three-sport star for the Leopards. He was a four-year letterman in baseball and football, while earning two letters in basketball. In baseball, Dee was a four-year all-conference and three-year all-state performer on the diamond who holds the single season home run record at fifteen. On the gridiron, Dee excelled both on offense and defense and was named all-district player-of-the-year his senior year. Dee received a football scholarship from the UCF Knights. At UCF, he was a rare two-sport collegiate star as a running back in football and slugging outfielder in baseball. At UCF, his baseball prowess blossomed. The 2002 Atlantic Sun Conference Freshman of the Year was also named to the 2002 Atlantic Sun Conference First Team while also being honored as a member of the Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-America Team. Dee graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice in 2005, but not before becoming one of the most decorated baseball players in UCF history. In 2005, Dee was drafted in the tenth round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the Washington Nationals. As a baseball prospect, Dee played in the minor league system for four years culminating with the National’s AA team, the Harrisburg Senators. Dee completed his professional baseball career by playing two years with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the American Association Independent Baseball League. Following an outstanding athletic career, Dee has dedicated his life to working in Child Welfare, helping and mentoring fatherless and troubled teenage boys. His and his father’s legacy continue to be fostered by Dee’s service as president of the Jerome Brown Youth Foundation.

EARL DEAN

TRACK, FOOTBALL

Earl Deen’s speed is legendary as evidenced by him being the first Hernando High athlete to break the 10.0 second barrier in the 100-yard dash. The speedster was also the first to break the 22.0 second barrier in the 220-yard dash. The 1970 Hernando graduate’s school sprint records are still standing today: a blazing 9.7 seconds in the 100-yard dash and an impressive 21.8 seconds in the 220-yard dash. Earl won the 1970 Class “A” State Finals in the 100-yard dash marking his place in history in the rarified strata of all-time great Florida prep sprinters. Earl excelled in football, basketball and track. As a testament to his athletic prowess, as both a junior and senior Earl was named All-Conference, All-Area, and All-State in track. As for his achievements on the gridiron, he was named All-Conference. Earl holds the school record for his 99-yard punt return for a touchdown. Earl went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Southern Mississippi and later received a master’s degree in educational leadership from NOVA Southeast University with a 4.0 GPA. The former track star served as Head Varsity Track Coach and Assistant Varsity football coach at Lecanto High School before becoming an integral part of the Hernando County School System. His love of teaching and helping students extends from the field to the class room. He has worked as a teacher, coach, Athletic Director, Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal and Principal. On his journey as a cherished educator, Earl has received numerous awards and accolades. He was named Hernando County Assistant Principal of the year in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Earl is currently the Principal of Pine Grove Elementary School. Earl, a published author in the field of education, is held in great esteem for his contributions to public education in Hernando County. His innovative reading initiatives initiated as the Principal at Pine Grove Elementary School have brought him well deserved acclaim from students, parents and school administrators.

PHILLIP JONES

BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL, TRACK

A prodigious scorer on the purple and gold trimmed hardwood in the Hernando High gymnasium, Phillip Robert Jones has dribbled, shot and rebounded himself into the Leopard Athletic Hall of Fame. Phillip was one of Hernando High’s all-time best basketball players whose hoopster skills portended a successful collegiate and a promising professional career. An elite scorer, Phillip holds the HHS school record for most points in a game with 45. Phillip participated in football, track, and basketball at Motion High School for his first two years of high school and then at Hernando High. He ran the mile relay, sprint medley relay, and quarter mile in track. The team’s leading rebounder both his junior and senior year, he was named All-Conference in 1969 and 1970. The 1970 graduate received a full basketball scholarship to Edwards Waters University in Jacksonville where he played for one year. He then transferred to and attended Central Florida College in Ocala where he was named All-Conference during a two-year stint. Phillip then received a scholarship to play basketball at Mississippi Valley State University where he made All Southwest Athletic Conference and obtained All American Team status. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a minor in health, Phillip embarked on a career as a professional basketball player. He participated in the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Camp for a period of one and a half years before suffering a career ending knee injury. His playing days behind him, Phillip pursued a career to preserve and protect Florida’s natural resources, environment and ecology. He served as a monitoring technician for Southwest Florida Water Management District in Brooksville for seventeen years and later as an Aquatic Plant Biologist in Kissimmee. He was also on the State of Florida’s Emergency Rapid Response Team. A deeply spiritual individual, Phillip became an ordained minister in 1977, serving as an Assistant Pastor for a number of years. Phillip later founded the Christian C.A.R.E. Ministries of Ocala/Brooksville Florida. He now lives in Sparr, Florida with his wife, the former Youlanda Green. He is the proud father of eight children and seven grandchildren.

GROVER ELLIS

BASEBALL, FOOTBALL

Grover Ellis, Class of 1967, was a talented athlete who saw much success athletically during his youth both with Hernando County school athletic programs and County little league sports programs. A Little League baseball career with impressive credentials prepared Grover for a bigger stage and a role in which he was to excel – that of a Leopard prep star. His four-year prep career in baseball culminated with him being selected as an All-State third baseman from the Leopard’s 1967 State Champion Baseball Team. Grover’s timely hitting and steady fielding spearheaded the 1967 team’s magical run to a rare state championship under legendary coach Tom Varn. Baseball was not the sole arena in which Grover excelled. He was a two-way player on the Leopard varsity football team for three years. As a stalwart safety on defense and a dual-threat quarterback on offense, Grover set several school records in passing categories. As a junior he was voted the most valuable player in Hernando’s bowl game played in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Then as a senior, he was selected by his peers as the team’s most valuable back and most valuable player. He was also voted onto the All Conference and All Region football teams. After graduation, Grover served his Country in the U. S. Army with tours of duty in Vietnam and Germany. After leaving the service, Grover first spent eight years working at the Beef Cattle Research Station at Chinsegut Hill, and then became a certified electrician. For the next twenty-five years Grover served as an electrician and then as the Supervisor for the Maintenance Department for the Hernando County School System. Grover is now retired, living in Spring Lake with his wife, the former Carol Coppedge, where they enjoy retirement and tend to a herd of cattle.

CHRISSY HARTLEY-DUSHANE

SOFTBALL, VOLLEYBALL

Chrissy Hartley-Dushane, nee Chrissy Hartley, is recognized arguably as Hernando County’s finest-ever volleyball and softball player. Her fourteen years of Dixie Youth League experience molded Chrissy into one of Hernando High’s all-time most fierce and feared competitors. A 2001 graduate, Chrissy lettered four years in varsity softball and volleyball. As a volleyball middle hitter par excellence Chrissy made Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Honorable Mention as a sophomore and as a junior and senior made the All-GCAC first team. The Lady Leopard spikers earned a 19-2 mark her senior year as she was named the GCAC’s Player of the Year. As sensational as Chrissy was in volleyball, softball was her passion. On the diamond, she adroitly played the sport’s toughest positions: pitcher, shortstop and centerfield. At the plate, Hartley-Dushane was a demon who holds many career hitting records. On the mound, she was virtually untouchable holding a mindboggling career ERA of 0.96 in 368 career innings. It is little wonder that she was named All-GCAC her sophomore, junior and senior years; and, she was honored as the GCAC’s Player of the Year following her junior and senior year. She was also selected All-State her junior and senior year in softball. As a testament to her greatness, Chrissy was selected as the Hernando Today Player of the Decade in both softball and volleyball. Following graduation, Chrissy played two years of college softball for the Pasco-Hernando Community College Conquistadors. Her collegiate career was cut short however as a result of a torn ACL. Chrissy is now married; lives in Weeki Wachee; and continues her love of sports by guiding a local U-18 travel softball team, the Guardians, which she and her father formed. She also serves as an assistant softball coach at PHCC.

MONICA HYSELL

BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL

Monica Hysell was one of the first premier female athletes at Hernando High after Florida’s recommencement of competitive sports for high school girls following a decades’ long sabbatical. Gifted academically and athletically, Monica pioneered athletic exceptionalism for many Lady Leopards to follow. During a three-year career of prep basketball, the 1983 graduate amassed a baker’s dozen school records including the record for total points, total assists, total steals, points per game, and steals per game. She was the star player on the Lady Leopard’s 1983 team that was conference, district and regional champions. Softball, pre-fast-pitch vintage, was also a sporting domain in which Monica dominated. Monica became either state or school record holder in a number of categories, including most games won by a pitcher, most games pitched, and most shutouts in one season and in a career. She was instrumental in leading Hernando’s 1982 team to championships at the conference, district and regional levels. As a tribute to her status as a special athlete, Monica’s accolades are legend. Her senior year she was named Brooksville Sun-Journal “Athlete of the Year”. She was also named the Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times “Player of the Year” in both basketball and softball. Other honors include being named an “Outstanding Scholar Athlete” by Scholastic Magazine. A representative sprinkling of numerous other honors includes being named All Gulf Coast Conference in softball and basketball in 1981, 1982, and 1983. Monica’s academic and athletic success at HHS yielded an athletic scholarship to St. Leo College where she played basketball collegiately until suffering a career-ending injury in her junior year. In the words of Hall of Fame Coach, Tom Varn: “She is in a class by herself.”

TIM SIMS

BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, BAND

Tim Sims, Class of 1982, has earned Hall of Fame status as a prep baseball and basketball standout and as varsity baseball coach. Tim was known as a rock-solid middle infielder, a tenacious pitcher, and a clutch hitter. Skills honed in Hernando’s famed Dixie Youth League Program, parlayed Tim into an elite baseball star. Tim was chosen all-conference three years in a row and was the All-Suncoast “Player of the Year” in 1982. He was named to the Tampa Tribune’s All-Area Team his junior and senior year. His high school career was crowned by playing in the Florida High School North-South All Star Game in 1982. The holder of Hernando’s pitching record for most wins in a season at ten, Tim’s outstanding leadership and character traits equaled his considerable athletic abilities. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and in 1982 he was the recipient of the coveted Tom Fisher Athlete-Scholar Award. Tim also lettered in basketball and was sufficiently skilled to be named to the All-Area Basketball Team in 1982 while leading the Leopard hoopsters in assists. Blessed with outstanding baseball skills and motivated by an unparalleled love of the game, Tim earned a full scholarship to Seminole Jr. College where he was named to the Florida Junior College All-Star Team in 1983 and 1984. Upon graduation from Seminole, Tim was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the seventh round of the 1984 Major League Amateur Draft. Electing to continue his college education, Tim signed a scholarship to play shortstop for the Alabama Crimson Tide where he played in the prestigious Southeastern Conference for two years. After a foray into professional ball with several independent league teams, Tim returned home to work in the family furniture business. In 1994, Tim became the skipper of Hernando’s renowned baseball program. Tim’s teams have won numerous conference and district championships with appearances in regional finals and the State’s final four. Tim was selected to the FACA Coache’s Hall of Fame in 2025. Currently holding over 500 career wins, Tim’s mentorship has sent scores of players to college programs. A stickler for teaching fundamentals, Tim has had a number of players drafted by Major League Teams.

PAUL "JODY" SPANGLER

TRACK AND FIELD

PAUL “JODY” SPANGLER Paul “Jody” Spangler graduated from HHS in 1994 as one of the top distance runners in the State of Florida. A prep track star for four years, Jody helped lead the Leopards to three state championship appearances in cross country. Jody’s greatest individual success came in the 3200-meter run where he was the Three-A State Champion his junior year and runner-up as a senior. His reputation as an indefatigable distance runner won him a scholarship to the University of Alabama. During a sterling college career, Jody qualified for two national championships in cross country. He was first team All-SEC and NCAA All-Region his senior year. His posted times in the 5,000 and 10,000 meter runs rank in the top 10 in Crimson Tide track history. After graduating from the Alabama, Jody embarked on a successful career as a college track coach. He was an assistant track and cross-country coach at FSU and later became the track and cross-country coach at VMI. Under his tutelage, the track and cross country teams at FSU and VMI excelled, having won numerous conference and national honors. Jody was honored as the Big South Coach of the Year in 2009. In 2012 Jody accepted a coaching position with the University of Florida in charge of the men’s and women’s distance programs. Both programs saw immediate success with Jody at the helm. The women’s team won the SEC Indoor Track & Field team title while the men took home both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor National Team titles in 2012.

EDDIE LOOPER

BASEBALL, FOOTBALL

EDDIE LOOPER A 1982 HHS graduate, Eddie Looper was a three-sport letterman. A naturally gifted athlete, Eddie’s superlative skills shined on the baseball diamond, the basketball court, and the football gridiron. In football, Eddie was an outstanding defensive back with a knack of always being around the football as evidenced by setting both the season and career school records for pass interceptions. He was an indispensable cog in the 1982 football team which won conference, district and sectional titles. He was named to the Tampa Tribune All Area Team in 1981 and 1982; and he was All Gulf Coast Conference his junior and senior seasons. In basketball, Eddie’s all round athletic ability made him a valuable contributor to the Leopard hoopsters. Basketball served to transition Eddie’s athletic skills from the brute and brawn of football to the power and grace of baseball. It was baseball that gave rise to Eddie’s greatest acclaim. Renowned for an array of skills, he was as a superb defensive infielder and a hitter extraordinaire. He was selected to the 1981 and 1982 Tampa Tribune All Area Baseball Team; and was the Tampa Tribune All Area Athlete of the Year in 1982. A two-time All Gulf Coast Conference Team member, Eddie also was a member of three Dixie World Series Teams. After high school, Eddie played junior college baseball with Seminole Community College. There he was named co-player of the year in the Mid-Florida Conference. From junior college, Eddie continued his college career at The University of Alabama. While there he was named to the prestigious All SEC Baseball Team. A life-long dream was realized when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1986. He rose rapidly through the Cardinal minor league system and reached Triple=A. His dream of playing in the major leagues was thwarted by injury. Eddie remained in professional baseball for several years in the capacity of the Cardinals bull-pen catcher. Eddie returned to Brooksville and became the owner and proprietor of Looper’s Sporting Goods. Eddie has remained active in high school and youth athletics.

DWAYNE MOBLEY

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK

DWAYNE MOBLEY Dwayne Mobley – Hernando High School Class of 1992 – enters the Hall of Fame as a famed high school and college football star. Dwayne began his football career at the age of 8 playing football in Hernando County’s renowned youth program. In high school, Dwayne was a four-sport star who excelled in basketball, track, weightlifting, and football. He was the state weightlifting champion in 1992. However, it was football that gave birth to his stardom. As a bruising fullback possessed with agility and speed, Dwayne set numerous offensive records including most points in a game (45); most points in a season (222); most career points (376); most touchdowns in a game (7); most touchdowns in a season (36); most touchdowns in a career (60); most rushing yards in a season (2044); and most rushing yards in a career (4041). Dwayne was Player of the Year in 1991 after having been selected All Conference in 1990 and in 1991. In 1991, Dwayne was selected as an All-State running back. Dwayne’s football stardom continued at the University of Florida where he played under legendary Gator coach, Steve Spurrier. As a stalwart fullback, Dwayne helped lead the “Mighty Gators” to four consecutive SEC football championships along with the 1996 NCAA National Football Championship. Dwayne – a champion in both academic and sports - left the University of Florida with a National Championship along with a bachelor’s degree from one of America’s great universities. Following a foray into professional football with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dwayne returned to Brooksville and began a career as teacher and football coach. A highly successful coach at D. S. Parrott Middle School from 2000 until 2012, Dwayne became the Head Football Coach at his alma mater with plans to maintain the glory days of the “Purple and Gold”.

KELLY LAGEDROST

GOLF

KELLY LAGEDROST Kelly Lagedrost graduated in 1997as one of the school’s most accomplished female athletes - having excelled in golf at the prep, college and professional levels. Kelly’s career golf began as a child prodigy when she was eight. By the time she entered high school, Kelly was a seasoned tournament player having played in tournaments numerous junior tournaments in central Florida. High school only amplified her golfing prowess as she played in the FHSAA state tournament each of her high-school years. In her junior year she won the state tournament and in her senior year she led the Lady Leopard golf team to the FHSAA 4A state championship. Upon graduation, Kelly received a full scholarship to play golf at the University of South Florida. Kelly enjoyed a stellar career at USF. She was selected as an All-Conference USA golf team member for four straight years. As a testament to her golfing skills, Kelly was named 1st team All-American in 1998-99. In 1998-99, she was named the USF Female Athlete of the Year. In 2000-01 she was selected Conference USA Player of the Year. Kelly was also an outstanding student graduating with honors in 2001 with a degree in Elementary Education. In 2002 Kelly began her career as a professional golfer. Her golfing skills on full display, Kelly’s career progressed as she played on Futures Tour and the Next Generation Golf Tour, winning seven tournaments in 2003. She was a member of the LPGA in 2004 and 2006. Through 2011, Kelly played on the Futures Tour and was a member of the Player Promotional Team for the Duramed/LPGA Tour. As a professional golfer, Kelly participated in numerous community service events throughout the country including golf clinics, YMCA programs, First-Tee programs, Habitat for Humanity projects and fundraisers for Breast Cancer Awareness and Women’s Health. In 2011, Kelly became the Head Golf Professional at the Brooksville Golf and Country Club at Majestic Oaks.

JEFFERSON "JP" INMON

FOOTBALL, TRACK AND FIELD

JEFFERSON P. (J.P.) INMON The walls of institutionalized segregation having been torn down as a result of the Civil Rights Movement, Hernando High and Moton High were merged in the late 1960’s – an event long overdue. Such an event was designed to promote justice and equality for all Americans. From that cultural renaissance, a hero and local sports legend emerged - Jefferson P. (J.P.) Inmon, Hernando High School Class of 1969. J.P. was one of the most electric athletes to ever play high school football in Hernando County. A quick and powerful running back, J.P. still holds the school record for career yards per carry – an amazing 10.5 yards per carry. A letterman in track and football, J.P. was named All Conference his senior year. J.P.’s fetes on the gridiron earned him a scholarship to North Carolina Central University (NCCU) where he became a record setting running back. J.P. became the Eagles’ record-holder for season scoring, career rushing, and career scoring. His football abilities brought him many honors. He received All-MEAC honors twice; he was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1972; and was named to the All-American Team in 1972. J.P. was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1973; and, he was inducted into the NCCU Hall of Fame in 1985. As accomplished as J.P. was in football, he was even more accomplished as a student. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry; and later was awarded a Master of Public Administration degree from North Carolina State University. Eventually, J.P.‘s romance with football was superseded by his love of science. He became a Research Biologist for the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. As a scientist, J.P. received innumerable rewards, honors, and recognitions. His reputation as a scientist rivals his reputation as a football star as evidenced by the fact that he authored over forty scientific, peer-reviewed scholarly articles.

BILL COMBS SR

WRESTLING

BILL COMBS, SR. An icon in the world of Florida high school wrestling, BILL COMBS, SR., served as wrestling coach at Hernando High School for 34 years (1978 – 2012). As both an assistant coach and head coach, Bill has had his hand in the amassing of gaudy wrestling records by Hernando High School grapplers. Under Bill’s tutelage, the wrestling team has had 13 individual state champions, 50 individual state place winners, and 4 individual All-Americans. In addition to the impressive list of individual accomplishments, Bill has coached four top 5 teams, including the team that was the 2003 state runner-up. Bill’s reputation as a wrestling coach of great repute at the high school level has resulted in him also being selected as a 7-time coach of the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association National Duals team; the 2006 Cadet All-American Greco Roman Team Coach; and the 2007 Junior All-American Greco Roman Team coach. Bill, in his own right, was an accomplished collegiate wrestler at Florida Technological University having been highly placed in the 1975 FILA Puerto Rico Cultural Exchange Match, the 1976 Olympic Freestyle Trials, and the 1980 U. S. Region Olympic Freestyle Trials. Bill’s mark in the field of coaching transcends the records and accomplishments associated with his sport. Coaching has also been a vehicle for Bill to positively impact the lives of the many students-athletes whom he has coached. His popularity as a coach stem from the life-lessons he has taught to his students. Bill’s induction into the Hernando High School Athletic Hall of Fame follows his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 2010.

EDDIE MCINTYRE

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL

EDDIE McIntyre Leopard tradition and pride have as their foundation a rich history of athletic and academic accomplishment. Having been established in 1889, Hernando High is one of the oldest, continuously operating public high schools in the United States. Within such a context, EDDIE McINTYRE was an early cornerstone upon which Leopard tradition and pride were built. Simply stated, Eddie was the best athlete in the State of Florida having been so named by the Orlando Sentinel in 1940. Eddie’s exploits as quarterback, running back and defensive back for four years at Hernando High are legendary. He led Hernando to undefeated seasons in 1938 and 1939. In addition to football, he excelled in baseball playing at both the prep level and on the amateur Town of Brooksville Team. Eddie earned a football scholarship to then powerhouse Stetson University. His collegiate career however was cut short by the start of World War II. Eddie joined the armed forces of the United States and heroically served his country as a bombardier – flying 21 combat missions. After the war, Eddie returned to Florida and attended the University of Florida under the G. I. Bill. He earned his degree in Social Studies in 1948. Upon graduation, Eddie embarked upon a career as a respected and beloved teacher, coach, and school administrator. Most of his 38 years in education were spent in the Hernando County School System as a principal.

FRED "CATFISH" ABBOTT

FOOTBALL, TRACK AND FIELD

Fred Catfish Abbott, a 1968 graduate of Hernando High School, was the quintessential scholar athlete. The 1968 Student Council President was both a football and track star during his years at HHS. During his senior year he was named the defensive most valuable player while serving as team co-captain. So impressive were his credentials as a two way lineman, Fred was named both all conference and all-state. He also was selected to play in the Florida North-South High School All-Star Game. Upon graduation, Fred was awarded a full athletic football scholarship to the University of Florida. While at the University of Florida, Fred enjoyed a storied career and was the recipient of numerous accolades. He was named the most valuable offensive lineman in 1970; the most outstanding offensive lineman in 1971; team captain in 1972; and the most outstanding defensive player in 1972. At the end of his senior year, he was named first team all Southeastern Conference and first team All American. Fred also played in the Senior Bowl in Mobile Alabama. Fred’s honors though were more than just for his athletic ability. Fred was the recipient of the prestigious Fergie Ferguson Award for character and leadership; and the Orlando Quarterback Club’s John MacBeth Award also for outstanding leadership and sportsmanship. Fred was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1973 NFL draft and later was on the team roster of the Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Eagles. Fred left the NFL to play in the World Football League for the Jacksonville Sharks; however his professional career was cut short by career ending injuries to his left knee. Fred then put his scholar acumen to the test by attending the University of Florida Law School and obtaining his law degree in 1978. Fred has been a renowned trail lawyer since graduating and now owns his own firm in Jacksonville. A 1985 inductee into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame, Fred is engaged to Beverly L. Thomas and has three children, Forrest Mckethan Abbott, Megan McIver Abbott, and Amanda Louise Abbott.

ERNIE CHATMAN

CROSS COUNTRY, BASEBALL, BASKETBALL

Ernie Chatman A renowned coach at Hernando High School, ERNIE CHATMAN joins the Hernando High School Sports Hall of Fame, having previously been inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004. A recipient of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Life Membership Award in 2001, Ernie, Class of 1967, possesses an impressive resume built during a 39-year career as a teacher, athletic director, and coach in the Hernando County School System. Revered as a master tactician and strategist, Ernie’s coaching skills are evidenced by his outstanding records while coaching baseball; cross country; basketball; and girls’ softball. As a masterful motivator and stickler for fundamentals, Ernie’s baseball teams won 70% of their games over 13 years, including four conference titles, three district titles, and a school record of two thirty-win seasons. During a short sabbatical, Ernie coached at St. Leo University and set a record for the most wins during his 46-13 season in 1983-1984. A marathon runner himself, Ernie’s cross country teams won the state championship in 1997 and were state runner-up three times. His teams won nine conference titles, eleven district titles and seven regional titles. With consistently highly ranked teams, Ernie was selected as the Dairy Farmers 3A Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1992; and in 1997 was the State CrossCountry Coach of the Year. Ever versatile, Ernie coached girls’ soft ball and won 204 games over a 9 year span, including three conference titles, four district titles, two regional titles and two state final four appearances. Ernie added additional softball titles to his resume while coaching at Hernando Christian Academy for 3 years. Having been a collegiate hoopster, Ernie also excelled as a basketball coach earning 86 wins over 5 seasons. Ernie holds a B. S. Degree from St. Leo University and a Masters from University of South Florida. He has been married to Linda for 39 years and they have 3 children, Erin, Beth, and Bret.

RICKY FEATCHER

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK, BASEBALL

As a sickly infant, Rickey Feacher was not expected to see his first birthday. Fortunately for the alumni of Hernando High School, Rickey overcame debilitating medical conditions to become one of Hernando High School’s most accomplished graduates. Before graduating in 1972, Rickey made his mark in high school athletics by starring in football, basketball, baseball, and track. In 1971 and 1972, he was named Hernando High School’s Outstanding Athlete. In 1971 and 1972, Rickey was named MVP in basketball. In track, he was named all conference in 1972 and set the HHS 100 yard dash record at a blazing 9.7 seconds. Rickey’s football and track skills merited a football scholarship from Mississippi Valley State College. As a rocket-fast wide receiver, Ricky was honored as a twotime first team NAIA All America. Rickey’s collegiate career was immortalized with his election to the Mississippi Valley State College Hall of Fame in 2004. Rickey graduated in 1976 with a B. S. Degree in Business Administration. In 1976, Ricky was the 10th round draft pick of the New England Patriots. However, it was with the Cleveland Browns that Ricky became a feared NFL wide receiver throughout a nine year professional football career. Upon retirement in 1984, Ricky was third on the Brown’s record for most yardage per catch. Ricky’s value and importance to the Cleveland Brown’s organization transcended his fetes on the gridiron. In 1987, Rickey became a member of the organization’s front office when he was named the Assistant Director of Player Development. Soon Rickey became the Director of Player Development in charge of scouting, recruiting, contract negotiations, player evaluation, and player support and development. After eight years as a manager within the Brown’s organization, Rickey put his degree in Business Administration to use and entered private business in the field of Real Estate and Mortgages. During both his athletic and business careers, Rickey’s community and charitable activities are legendary. He invests his time, efforts, and energy in helping needy children and providing for the homeless.

BUSTER MCGEE

BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK

Buster McGee was a three sports star at Hernando High School from 1963 through 1967. Blessed with graceful athleticism, Buster was a natural athlete who lettered in baseball, basketball, and track. As a cat quick guard on the hardwood, Buster set eight school records including most points scored in a single game, most points in a season. most free throws made, and most steals. Ranked second in career scoring at HHS, Buster was selected as the team’s most valuable player and was honored as an All Conference selection. In baseball, Buster was a silky-smooth shortstop who dazzled with his defensive prowess. Also talented with the bat, Buster was an offensive star who was a member of the 1967 State Championship team. Buster’s skills on the diamond earned him All Conference and All State honors. In track, Buster was an outstanding sprinter, running the 100-yard dash, the 220-yard dash, and in the sprint medley relay. Upon graduation from Hernando High School, Buster attended Florida State University and St. Leo College. He now lives in Brooksville with his wife Tammy. They have one daughter, Christy Beckham and three grandchildren.

TYRONE WOODS

BASEBALL, FOOTBALL

TYRONE Woods’ stellar athletic at Hernando High School foreshadowed a professional baseball career that led to international stardom. A 1988 graduate of HHS, Tyrone was a three-time all Gulf Coast Conference football player. However, it was in baseball wherein Tyrone’s talents most excelled. Tyrone was named all -conference three times; all-area two times; and first team All-State two times. He is among school career leaders in homeruns, batting average, and runs batted in. In 1987, he was named the Pasco-Hernando Player of the Year; having also been selected to play in the 1988 FACA All-Star game. Following graduation, Tyrone was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the fifth round of the Major League Draft. He played in the Expos system for 6 years reaching AAA. One year with the Baltimore Orioles organization and two years with the Boston Red Sox organization preceded Tyrone’s foray into international baseball. In 1998, Tyrone signed with the OB Bears of the Korean Baseball League. Tyrone became a fan favorite after breaking the league homerun record by hitting 42 homeruns in his first year. During a five-year stint in the league, Tyrone was selected to the All-Star team four times and his team won the league championship. He was the first player in the history of the league to win MVP of the league, MVP of the all-star game and MVP of the Korean Series. His career league statistics consisted of 174 homeruns, 510 RBI’s and, a career batting average of .293. Tyrone’s reputation as a power hitter sent him to the Japanese Baseball League where he played of the Yokohama Baystars and the Chunichi Dragons. He was the league homerun king in 2003, 2004, and 2006, hitting 40, 45, and 47 homeruns respectively. During his six years in Japan, Tyrone was awarded three homerun king titles, two RBI King title and was named Player of the Month five times. He finished his career in Japan with a .289 batting average, 240 homeruns, and 616 runs batted in.

GEORGE FLOYD

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL

George Floyd’s induction into the Hernando High School of Fame is a fitting tribute to the 1978 graduate who has previously been inducted into the Eastern Kentucky Hall of Fame and the NCAA College Football Hall of Fame. George was a three-year letterman in football and basketball at Hernando High School. As an athletic and cerebral defensive back, George’s high school career garnered him state-wide acclaim for vicious hard hits and a knack for interceptions. George was all conference in football in 1977, and he was twice named to the All-State football team as a defensive back. George’s reputation as an athlete and scholar of impeccable character yielded him a football scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University, where he was a four-year starter at defensive back. George was a two-time All Ohio Valley Conference honoree who was also honored as the Defensive Player of the Year in the Ohio Valley Conference in 1980 and 1981. Holding Eastern Kentucky career records for most career interceptions and most interceptions return yards, George was chosen as the conference Male Athlete of the Year in 1981- 1982. Having been a defensive back for the 1979 National Championship Team, George was twice named Division I-AA All-American while at Eastern Kentucky. So stellar was George’s career as a defensive back, he entered the rarified air of collegiate athletic stardom by being inducted into the NCAA College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. George was a fourth-round draft pick of the New York Jets in the 1982 National Football League draft. George played at the highest level of football as a defensive back in the NFL for four years. Upon retiring from professional football, George entered the academic world. George became a teacher and coach at Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Kentucky-a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. George Floyd Jr. Is truly a hall of fame graduate of Hernando High School

KRISTI POORE

BASKETBALL, TRACK AND FIELD

Kristi Poore is a 1989 graduate of Hernando High School. Following a highly celebrated athletic career at HHS, Kristi continued her education and athletic pursuits at the University of South Florida where she received her degree in Criminal Justice in 1993. In 2010 she completed her master’s degree in public administration with Troy University. Kristi’s athletic career began in the Hernando Youth League and continued through Parrott Middle School to Hernando High School. She displayed considerable skills in Volleyball however, it was in Track & Field and in Basketball that she truly excelled. In Track & Field she specialized in high jump and discus. Kristi’s skills were rewarded by her being named All Conference for three years and All State for one year. It was basketball where in Kristi became a fabled Lady Leopard. Kristi scored over 1000 points during her high school career. She holds records for most points per game and most rebounds per game. She was an outstanding leader as evidenced by serving as team captain during her junior and senior years. Her court skills were unparalleled and she was the MVP during her junior and senior years. During her junior year she was a member of the HHS State Final Four team. Kristi was selected All Conference four times, All District three times, and All State two times. She was also selected to the North-South All Star Team and made the AAU “Team Florida” her senior year. Kristi built upon her reputation as a hoopster by receiving a full Division I scholarship to the University of South Florida for Women’s Basketball. She is one of the greatest women’s basketball players to have ever played for the USF Bulls. A recipient of the most improved player award her sophomore year, Kristi went on to lead the team in rebounds in the 1990-91 and the 1991-92 seasons. In the 1991-92, season she led the team in steals, and in the 1992-93, season she lead the team in free throw percentage. She is highly ranked in USF Women Basketball record books for career rebounding, career rebound average, career steals, and games played. Following graduation from college, Kristi entered the field of law enforcement. She is currently a Corporal in the Special Investigations Division of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Kristi is a supporter of the Shriner’s Children Hospital and Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch. She is a patron to the American Cancer Society’s Children with Leukemia Foundation where she, as a cancer survivor, participates in charity events to motivate children receiving treatment for cancer

FRANK THOMAS VOHUN

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, TRACK AND FIELD

Frank Thomas Vohun has the distinction of being one of the very early Leopards to play Division I College Football. A burly giant of a man with a disarmingly mild manner, Frank was a four-year letterman in football, basketball, and baseball as well as a three-year letterman in track. As a tenacious power forward on the basketball court; a hard-nosed catcher on the baseball diamond, and powerful two-way tight end and defensive tackle on the football field, Frank was twice named All Conference in all three sports. As skilled and versatile as any athlete graduating in Florida in 1965, Frank had scholarship offers from major colleges in all three sports. Frank elected to accept a scholarship to play football for the Florida State Seminoles. Frank had an outstanding college career as a three-year starter on the defensive line. Frank was the first defensive lineman in Florida State history to return an intercepted pass for a touchdown. He was one of the early FSU players to be named the Associated Press lineman of the week. While at FSU, Frank played in three bowls games: The Sun Bowl, The Gator Bowl, and The Peach Bowl. Frank was also selected to play in the 1969 Blue/Gray All-Star Game. Upon graduating from FSU, Frank was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He spent two and a half years serving his country, which included a tour in Europe. Upon completion of active duty in the Army, Frank obtained a master’s degree in Physical Education for Florida A&M University. Frank coached 14 years at the collegiate level including stints at FSU, Eastern Kentucky, and University of West Georgia where he was the head coach for four years. Frank also coached high school football in Georgia for twenty-four years, serving as a head coach for nineteen years. His coaching brought him many accolades. He coached in five all-star games and for many years was an officer of the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association. Frank lives in Tallapoosa, GA with his wife, Debbis, and he is the proud father of four sons-Brent, Caleb, Jess, and Matthew-and six grandchildren.

BERNICE MOSBY

BASKETBALL

BERNICE TYRONE MOSBY The daughter of Gloria Brown, Bernice Mosby was born in 1984. She has three sisters, Amanda, Mable, and Jennifer, and 2 brothers, Dan and Gus, who passed away with her Uncle Jerome. Bernice attended Hernando High School from 1998-2002 and led the Leopards to a 23-5 record in 2001. During her senior year, she scored 779 points, breaking her own school record of 599. She ended her high school career scoring a Hernando County record 2, 163 points, and averaging 27.8 points, 13.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game, while shooting 60.2 percent from the field. After graduating from Hernando High School, Bernice attended the University of Florida for 2 ½ years where she amassed 1,126 points and 625 rebounds. She became only the 18th Gator to score 1,000 career points. In 2005 she transferred to Baylor University in Waco, Texas. In 2007, she was drafted by the WNBA as a sixth pick in the first round.

BRONSON ARROYO

BASEBALL, BASKETBALL

Bronson Anthony Arroyo, a native of Key West, is a 1995 graduate of Hernando High School. While attending Hernando High School, Bronson played basketball in addition to baseball. He was named All Area in basketball his senior year, and as of 1995, he was the second highest scorer in school history. As a four-year varsity baseball player, Bronson was named All State his senior year. After he graduated in 1995, Bronson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round. He made his major league debut in 2000 at the age of 23. He played with the Boston Red Sox form 2003-2005, and was a pitcher for the World Series winning team in 2004. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds during spring training in 2006. By 2010, he had 100 wins in the major leagues and led all of baseball on games started since 2006. Also since 2006, he led the National League in innings pitched. In addition to being an outstanding athlete, Bronson has musical talent. He released his first CD, Covering the Bases, in 2005. The record debuted at number 1 on the charts in Boston. Bronson proudly calls Brooksville his home.

JEROME BROWN

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL

JEROME BROWN There was nothing small about Jerome Brown. The former University of Miami defensive tackle was not only a physically large man, but he also lived large. He played in big games; he spoke loudly and loved to drive his car fast. He was the leader of the swaggering Miami Hurricanes of the 1980’s. He played and lived with swagger until the day he died. While attending Hernando High School, Jerome led the HYL baseball team to a Dixie League state championship as a junior and led the team in home runs and stolen bases. On the basketball court, he was the leading scorer and rebounder. But it was the football field where he was truly a man among boys playing defensive tackle and tight end. He was recognized as one of the finest high school football players by the prestigious Parade All- American Team in 1982. After graduating from Hernando High, Jerome attended the University of Miami on a football scholarship. While in college he was named to the Florida Hall of Fame, the University of Miami’s Hall of Fame, the Kodak All-American Team, and his jersey, number 98 was retired by the University of Miami. Jerome was a first-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was an All-Pro defensive tackle. While playing for the Eagles, he was named to the 75th Anniversary Philadelphia Eagles Best Players Team. Jerome had a strong sense of community. The Jerome Brown Community Center exists today because of his vision and the caring community around him. His other community contributions include the Jerome Brown Football Camp for Youth, the Jerome Brown Golf Tournament, and the Jerome Brown Scholarship fund for disabled children. He was also a staunch supporter of the United Way, and the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House for children and families. Jerome’s parents are Willie Brown, Jr., and the late Annie Bell Brown. He has nine siblings, and three children. His inspirational message is “I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field.” (Walter Payton)

KEVIN FITZPATRICK

TRACK AND FIELD

KEVIN FITZPATRICK Inspired by his brother Jim Fitzpatrick, Kevin learned to throw the discus. While at Hernando High School in 1985 and 1986, Kevin placed in the Class 3A State track and field meet. In 1987 he placed second in the State discus competition. He was the State champion in 1988 with a class 3A state record. He holds the Hernando High School record with a throw of 197’ 4”. He was ranked number 1 in US high school boy’s discus by Track and Field News. In college, Kevin earned all SEC honors 4 times and was twice an All American. Additionally, he is the record holder for the University of Tennessee for freshman and senior discus throws. In 1993, in the Friendship Games held in Taiwan, he placed first overall. In 1997 he was in the USA National Outdoors Track and Field Championship where he set a lifetime best of 214’1” in the discus. Kevin has been an Olympic trial finalist 4 times and has been in the World Rankings 3 different years. In 2010, Kevin coached at the University of Charlotte.

MAULTY MOORE

FOOTBALL

MAULTY MOORE Born August 12, 1946, Maulty Moore was raised in Brooksville, Florida. Maulty attended Moton High School where he played football for four years from 1961-1964. After being absent from football, Maulty was offered a scholarship to play football at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. He played for Bethune-Cookman for four years, from 1966-1971. While at Bethune-Cookman, Maulty was selected to the All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1960. He made the All-American Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference team in 1971. After graduating from Bethune-Cookman College, Maulty was drafted into the NFL. He played for the Miami Dolphins for 4 years, the Bengals for 1 year, and the Buccaneers for 1 year. He was a distinguished member of the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins. After leaving the NFL, Maulty became a teacher in Broward County, a job he has held for 33 years. He was selected Teacher of the Year, and in 2010 was the department chair of the remediation center. He and his wife Pam have 5 children, 2 boys and 3 girls.

TOM VARN SR

BASEBALL, SOFTBALL

Thomas Leland Varn Thomas graduated from Hernando High School in 1943 and from the University of Florida in 1948. He served in the US Navy during World War II as an aviation machinist mate and a gunner on a torpedo bomber. While in the service he received three air medals: two Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Navy Cross. Coach Varn taught and coached in the Hernando County school system for 37 years, retiring on August 30, 1985. In 37 years of coaching, Tom compiled an overall record of 733-110 in four sports. He coached baseball from 1948- 1973 earning a win- loss record of 389-66. Tom began coaching football in 1948 also and amassed a record of 67-20-2 by the time he stopped coaching football in 1957. From 1948-1951, he had a win-loss record of 63-17 in basketball. He also coached JV basketball for 4 years from 1948-1951 with an astounding record of 60-3. Later in his career he began coaching girls' softball which he coached for 6 years from 1979-1985 and had an impressive record of 154-26. His baseball team won the state championship in 1967 and the State Championship, and the girls softball team won the state championship in 1984. He was named the Southeast Coach of the Year in 1969, the National Coach of the Year in 1970 and was elected to the Florida Coaches Hall of Fame in 1983. Not only was Tom Varn a respected educator and coach he was also active in the community. He served as a Brooksville Council member for 16 years and was named the Mayor of Brooksville. In recognition of his contributions to the youth of the community, the City of Brooksville honored him by naming Tom Varn Park in his honor.

TOM FISHER

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL

W. Thomas “Tom” Fisher Tom Fisher, a 1963 graduate of Hernando High School was involved in many aspects of school life. He was a Key Club member for 2 years, “H” Club for 3 years, Spanish Club for 2 years, and the Class Treasurer his sophomore year. Additionally, he was in the senior play, and a Senior Notable. Mostly, Tom Fisher was remembered as an athlete. During his freshman and sophomore years, Tom played both football and basketball. He was a member of the basketball team for 3 years and was selected a Captain his senior year. He earned an All-Conference acknowledgment his junior and senior years. Tom played football his junior and senior years and earned All Conference and All State Honorable Mention recognitions. He entered the University of Tennessee in 1963. In 1966, at the end of his junior year Tom was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Having played only 21 games at the University of Tennessee, he continues to hold the second highest record for primary tackles in a season at 118, and 28 total hits in a game, and 21 individual tackles in a game against Auburn in 1964. Fittingly for his personal beliefs, Tom was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes while at the University of Tennessee. Though only a junior at the time of his death, Tom was drafted in the second round by the New York Giants and in the first round by Houston. Possibly the best testimony of Tom’s athletic ability and personal qualities is to quote those who played alongside him and had the opportunity to coach him. Frank Emanuel, National Hall of Fame, and Tom’s fellow linebacker at Tennessee said Tom “inspired those around him with his great play, enthusiasm and love of the game, and he knew how to take adversity in stride.” Tom Fisher “was a magnificent person.” Coach Doug Dickey, University of Tennessee Football Coach remembers “He was a dynamic and fearless player who could cover a lot of ground for a linebacker. Tom came to practice with determination and dedication and was a great player to coach.” Finally, in a most fitting gesture Hernando High School’s current football stadium complex was made possible by the monetary gifts from admirers of Tom, both in Florida and in Tennessee. The plaque at the stadium commemorates the life and athletic ability of Tom Fisher with the simple phrase, “An Athlete and a Gentleman.”

JASON SARTOR

BASKETBALL

Jason Sartor Jason Sartor, who graduated from Hernando High School in 1989, and from St. Leo University in 1994, and as of 2010 was the leading scorer in the history of Hernando High School basketball. While playing for Hernando High School, Jason set records for the most points scored in one season, the most field goals attempted in one season, the most field goals made in one season, as well as the most free throws attempted. Jason scored 40 points in one game and earned honors in his tenure at HHS. Jason was a sophomore starter with the 1987 basketball team. This team set a school record of 25-5 for the year. He was named to the All Conference team in 1988 and 1989. Also in 1989, he was the Suncoast Player of the Year and was selected for the All-State Team. While at St. Leo University, Jason was a four-year letterman. He set records for games played, was top 10 in scoring and rebounding. His outstanding play earned him a place on the Sunshine State Conference Team in 1991, 1992 and 1993. He was All Conference on the freshman team and twice was named the Sunshine State Conference Player of the Week. From 2007-2010 Jason was a director and coach in the Hernando Youth League football and baseball programs and the Brooksville United Soccer Association.

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