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Hernando Today

Tim Sims returns to old job as Hernando High baseball coach

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: July 16, 2008

Two years ago, Tim Sims stepped down as head baseball coach at Hernando High. Turns out, he just couldn't stay away.

With the departure of his old assistant and replacement, Donnie Whitehead, the school announced Tuesday the rehiring of Sims to his old position at the helm of the baseball program.

"I wanted to get back involved in coaching," Sims said. "When this opportunity came to get my old job back, I wanted to do it. I've got the (coaching) itch. I still want to scratch it. It's in my blood."

A 1982 graduate of Hernando, Sims served as head coach for 12 seasons, leading the Leopards to regionals four times overall and twice to the regional final (1995, 2004). That 1995 team included pitcher Bronson Arroyo of the Cincinnati Reds.

However, in September 2006 Sims decided to resign, feeling he could no longer balance coaching with work.

At the time, Sims managed a Sims Furniture Gallery in Leesburg, although he has since moved to a smaller store in Ocala that he believes will allow him more flexibility.

"We're going to make time," Sims said. "I want to do something I love to do."

John Palmer, another Hernando grad recently hired as head football coach and athletic director, said Sims was among three finalist including Tallahassee-Lincoln High assistant Ryan Solberger and Jeff Gelisppi, a veteran head coach at Blountstown.

"To get Tim Sims back as coach is a great hire for us at Hernando High, with the success that he's had," Palmer said. "I think Tim; he's hungry to get back into coaching.

"...With Tim's experience and knowledge of Hernando High, and his passion not just for Hernando High School but baseball, he's got a lot of rare ability you don't find in a lot of coaches."

Whitehead spent 10 seasons assisting Sims, then took over the top spot the past two. The Leopards went 14-12 in 2007 and 13-13 this year.

The 1991 Hernando grad has left his alma mater, expecting to take an assistant position at St. Johns River Community College in Palatka, although the school has not officially announced his hiring.

An old friend, Ross Jones, recently became head coach at that school and presented Whitehead with an offer he couldn't turn down.

"It's an opportunity for me to move on to the next level," Whitehead said. "I get a chance to coach with one of my best friends in the world at an upper level and see what happens.

"It's something I've always wanted to do. It's bittersweet leaving a program I poured my heart and soul into for the last 12 years. But it's a new challenge and one I'm looking forward to."

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com.

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