Columbia Tigers sanctioned by FHSAA

Columbia Tigers sanctioned by FHSAA

By MELISSA BURNSED

LAKE CITY, FL - The Columbia County Tigers have a "dark shadow" over their spring football practice according to new head coach Craig Howard. That shadow is because the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced they were sanctioning the Tigers football program for violations of guideline policies.

The two year probation and $2,500 fine are the result of an investigation triggered by an anonymous video recording of Tigers players engaged in football specific type drills, while coaches are watching from the field sidelines. The FHSAA determined that to be a violation of policy #23 that stipulates off-season conditioning guidelines and the limited roles that coaches may take.

The fine was the minimum allowable assessment. The administrative probation could lead to harsher penalties if any other sports violations are documented during the two year period.

Howard has just taken over the reins at the Lake City school, after a long successful but tumultuous tenure at Nease High School. During his time with the Nease, the Panthers had been placed on probation for major rules violations and fined $20,000.

Howard took responsibility for the Tigers off-season incident. In an interview with the Florida Times Union he said, "I came to instill discipline….I didn’t come to dishonor Columbia. It is a shame this has put a dark shadow over our spring practice."

Howard replaced Coach Danny Green who had led the Tigers for 12 years, while amassing a 109-39 record. Green who is now coaching the Orange Park Raiders was asked for his views and said, "We never had any situations like that." He declined to comment on the issue further.

Columbia principal Terry Huddles stated there was no intent to break the rules and that he felt the probation term was excessive. He is debating whether to appeal the sanctions.

Coach Howard received no individual fine but a written reprimand was placed in his personal file.