TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

Mission Accomplished: He's Coming Home

ADVERTISEMENT

By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITOR

Hernando Today

Published: June 3, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Few folks ever reel in a trifecta at the race track. Try that trick at this week's Belmont Stakes.

That was not the case, however, Monday at Hernando High.

The Leopards' five-man search committee recommended that Port St. Joe High football and athletic director, John C. Palmer, as the school's new football coach.

On Sunday, HHS' incoming Principal Ken Pritz contacted Palmer and he agreed to not only take over the duties from Rodney Byrd as head football coach, but the 1983 Leopard alumnus will also take over as the school's athletic director and boys' weightlifting mentor.

Palmer, 41, becomes the Purple and Gold's 27th head football coach since 1939.

His father, Dub, was a Hall of Fame football coach, who coached at HHS.

In a way, it's a homecoming as John's mother still resides in Brooksville.

John has been married 18 years to Amy Lynn Hicks and the Palmers have a 12-year-old daughter, Morgan Lynn.

"I found out the good news on Sunday from Ken (Pritz)," recalled Palmer, who went 57-27 across the past seven seasons with the Port St. Joe Dolphins - highlighted by a Class 1A State Championship in 2005. "Ken said he wanted to extend congratulations that I was the committee's choice as the head coach."

A year ago in the same situation, committee members also tabbed Palmer as their choice. But the final decision rested with then-Principal Betty Harper and she went against the committee's work and selected Byrd. Byrd, another Leopard alumnus and Eastern Kentucky University product, finished 2-8.

Were there any bitter feelings this time after being spurned in 2007?

"I think everything happens for a reason," shrugged Palmer, a multi-sport athlete at Hernando High before earning a bachelor's degree at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. "I moved on. I think (returning home) the situation intrigued me. My mom still lives in Hernando County. We're reuniting with our family. I can't lie; being an alumnus played a huge part in the (final) decision."

Highly recommended

On Monday, the 50-year-old Pritz said the final nod was made easier with Palmer's outstanding interviews.

"Keep in mind, I said I'd go with the committee's choice," insisted Pritz. "What swayed the committee was he came in very organized and had the credentials to back it up. He not only wants to develop a solid football program," said Pritz. "But he's a coach with a lot of character. I'm not trying to slam anyone else, but he came in prepared and knowledgeable."

What's Pritz' gut feeling on the hire?

"He's very excited and is very positive," said Pritz. "He's got a well thought out plan and he's a got a proven track record. I'm convinced he was the right choice."

What about current Leopard assistant coaches, including Byrd?

"If anyone wants to meet with me," said Palmer, who is looking to fill his staff with six assistants. "I'll talk to them about a place on the staff, including Byrd."

Palmer's references all believed the Leopards are selecting the right person.

Former Central High Principal Edd Poore said Monday, "John's a great choice for Hernando. I hired him at Central as an assistant coach when we started football in 1988. He's gonna have success."

What's the key to his success?

"He knows how to relate to kids," replied Poore. "He can relate to parents and players alike. Players can respect the man. He can dole out punishment with an even hand."

The North Sunocast's lone State Championship belongs to former Pasco High Head Coach Perry Brown.

Brown, who just finished his third season at Lynn Haven-Mosley believes Palmer is the perfect fit at HHS.

"We compete about 40 miles from each other," admitted Brown. "We've talked a lot in the past. John is a man of great integrity. He's very knowledgeable and his daddy was a Hall of Famer.

"I can tell you he is very well liked by his peers," said Brown, who captured the 3A State Championship in Dade City in 1992. "He's a real good fit for Brooksville. If anyone can turn things around, John Palmer can."

What to expect

Palmer, who began his career as a defensive coordinator, is expected to run a version of Brown's Wing-T offense at HHS, admitted that he would not be back to Brooksville until next Tuesday.

What are Palmer's short, and long-term goals?

"I want to get in and build a rapport with the community and get to level of hard work at a daily basis," he said. "Let's face it; our goal right now is not to win the district or even a state championship tomorrow. Our goal right now is to win our next game, and then the next and so on."

What about leaving Port St. Joe?

"We have a lot of good friends and we have a great relationship with the faculty and staff there," he said. "I'm not basing everything on wins and losses. The ultimate goal is we're representing Hernando High and Hernando County," he shared. "I want our kids to play as hard as they can. I can't wait to meet 'em and get started. I think, in time, the wins will come."

Even the rare trifectas.

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at (352) 544-5278 or online at acastro@hernandotoday.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT