Southridge basketball coach John Herron hired at University of Florida
John Herron spent the past 15 years helping build successful boys’ basketball programs in Miami-Dade County.
This summer, Herron is heading back to his college alma mater to try his hand at a different sport.
Herron stepped down recently from his job as boys’ basketball coach at Miami Southridge and has accepted a post in the athletic department at his alma mater, the University of Florida.
"It wasn’t easy for me to leave Southridge after being there these last few years and helping bring that program back to respectability," Herron said. "But this is a great opportunity."
Herron said he will be involved with the Gators’ football team, assisting in recruiting the South Florida area.
Herron coached seven years at Southridge, leading the Spartans to the regional playoffs each of the past two seasons. Prior to that stint, Herron coached at South Dade for eight years where he guided the Bucs to three regional appearances.
As an assistant coach at Eastside High School in Gainesville from 1997-2002, Herron was part of that school’s 2000 state final four squad.
Herron will begin working at UF in mid-June.
Southridge athletic director Shawn Carney said the school is searching for a replacement for Herron.
RIZZO ROOTING
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has been keeping close tabs on his alma mater Parkland Douglas during its run to the Class 9A state baseball finals.
Rizzo, a two-time All-Star, tweeted just minutes after the Eagles secured a 3-2 victory Friday in Fort Myers, and has often posted messages and pictures in support of Douglas as it continues its first state appearance.
Rizzo tweeted: "Just got word that @SDEagleBaseball just won and will be advancing to the state championship game tomorrow..bring it home tomorrow boys!"
ALL-COUNTY
Palmetto’s Randy Wilson, Ryan Fung, Sam Stone, Roxanna Montoya and Samantha Alicea earned All-Dade tennis honorable mention.
IF YOU GO
What: The state baseball finals.
When: Through Saturday.
Where: jetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers.
Admission: $9 per day; Parking: $10 for cars; $50 for fan buses.
Friday’s results – Class 9A semifinals: Parkland Douglas 3, Winter Garden West Orange 2; Miami Columbus 2, Tampa Alonso 1; Class 8A semifinals: Oviedo Hagerty vs. Ocala Forest, inc.; Westland Hialeah vs. Tampa Steinbrenner, inc.
Saturday’s schedule – Class 7A final: Venice vs. Tampa Gaither, 12:35; Class 9A final: Douglas vs. Columbus, 4:05; Class 8A final: Hagerty-Forest winner vs. Westland Hialeah-Steinbrenner winner, 7:35.
This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 6:27 PM with the headline "Southridge basketball coach John Herron hired at University of Florida."