Dolphins to field three teams in 2007
BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com

Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News On second thought... GBHS head football coach Chris Nemith talks to a group of parents August 8 in the Media Center. The meeting, originally to let parents know that there wasn't going to be a ninth grade football team this year, was to let parents know that there would be three GBHS teams after all.

Contrary to earlier reports, Gulf Breeze High will have a ninth grade football team in 2007.

The decision to field a freshman team this season came in about three hours after the August 9 issue of the Gulf Breeze News went to press.

The program's initial stance was not to have a team this year because of a lack of qualified coaches. GBHS lost five football coaches last season, but because of certain curriculum needs, Gulf Breeze High was only able hire two new football coaches.

But 121 kids showing up to the first day of practice made the coaching staff reconsider.

"Once we saw the numbers, it wouldn't have been fair to the kids," head coach Chris Nemith said.

The school held a parent meeting Aug. 8 clarifying iis position. Nemith stressed there wasn't any neglience on the administration's part - it all came down to filling teaching spots in certain subjects.

Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News We need you GBHS Quarterback Club President Garry Warford talks to parents last week, asking them to join and assist the Quarterback Club.

Nemith said it was a staff decision to field three teams, a decision that does come at a price for the coaches. "We're asking a lot out of our coaches," Nemith said. "Instead of worrying about what we don't have, we're going to focus on what we do have and we're going to need the community's support in that."