It’s been 10 years since William “Ernie” Chatman, a legendary figure in Hernando County sports history, passed away on July 24, 2016, at the age of 66. Despite his departure, Chatman’s legacy continues to thrive in various ways throughout the community. The Hernando High School community still honors his memory through the Ernie Chatman Run road sign, the softball field named after him at Tom Varn Park, and the annual 5K race held in his name.
Chatman’s impact on Hernando High and the broader Hernando County sports scene is still felt today. Current Hernando High baseball coach Tim Sims, who starred on Chatman’s storied Hernando baseball teams in the early 1980s, reflected on Chatman’s coaching style, saying, “Ernie was driven. Ernie wanted perfection in everything he did.” Weeki Wachee High boys cross country coach Patrick Skipper, who ran on Chatman’s Hernando cross country teams in the early 1980s, added, “Ernie taught us how to do things the right way.” The annual Ernie Chatman 5K race will take place on August 15 at McKethan Lake, and interested runners can register at runsignup.com.
For over 40 years, Chatman built a legacy of excellence, churning out championship teams in multiple sports and teaching lasting life lessons to his students and athletes. His influence can be seen in the current county high school coaches he mentored and the tradition of excellence he established. Sims and Skipper are just a few examples of the many coaches and athletes who were shaped by Chatman’s coaching and teaching.
Chatman’s legacy extends beyond his impressive coaching record, as he instilled in his students and athletes the importance of doing things the right way. His impact on Hernando County sports and education continues to be felt, and his memory remains a significant part of the community’s sporting heritage.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
