can someone please give me some info on fl. junior colleges . such as academics , campus life, coaches and strength of program. thanks

Hey a guy from R.I. I am origiinally from prov but have been in central florida for 18 years now. We have some good programs in central florida. There is Daytona Beach c.c. and Seminole c.c, two of the better ones and also Central Florda c.c., great pitching program and facility. They are in Ocala about 90 mins. north of Orlando. Chipola in the panhandle near Tallahassee may be the best in the state, great talent. There are many, go to Skiltons baseball links and look under JUCO. States and schools should be listed. Costs are very low instate but I'm not sure about out of state, check the sites. Good luck.

Coachric

coach thanks for the help . son likes competition level in panhandle conferance. not sure about the academics at them schools though. will be down your wat next week can drop you off some snow if you would like. lol

Thanks but no thanks, I was there in md-december for the 6-7 inches of winter wonder. It's been cold here, 45 at night 65-70 in the day. Imagine that. College and high school practice's begin mid january. The academics at these schools are par for any c.c.'s, usually if the kid is a good student and works hard, the school won't matter much. He will be able to transfer to many good 4 year programs later.

Coachric

Agree with Coachric's assessment of academics. While I second Chipola as an outstanding program, I would also recommend you look into TCC (Tallahassee) and MCC (Manatee).

Hope you find what you're looking for.

Oh yeah Hokie. I just couldn't mention them all, but those two are very good programs as well. I do believe the competition is a little stronger in central and southwest florida.

Coachric

Wanted to mention Hillsborough CC in Tampa, FL. Coach Gary Calhoun is an excellent coach with credentials and he has a fine staff. Coach Mike Sodders is their pitching coach with some excellent pro experience. Hillsborough plays their home games at Legends Field (NY Yankees) which is connected to the Hillsborough campus. What a place to play and practice...

I agree with the other posters, all good programs with sound coaching. While there will always be someone not happy with their individual experience, you have to take that for what its worth, an experience. IMO, the FL JUCO's are all competitive and their goal is to get their players to 4 year schools and the professional ranks if applicable.

Bottom line, check them all out and see what is the "best fit" for your son. In addition to baseball, check out the academics, courses etc.

Have a great day!

Thanks for the info. Son will be at World Showcase in Ft. Myers next week. Hopefully he will draw some interest from some of the JC's mentioned.Son was looking at Panhandle schools as one of his teammates will be attending Chipola.

Look at Lake City... This year they have 9 drafted players, 6 have signed early to D1 programs. They get great scout coverage. Coach Clark is very good and really works hard to get kids drafted and D-1 offers. He's very tough, but also very fair.

Doesn't bring in extra players in fall ... 22-24 man roster means lots of PT.

School has dorms (only 1 in FL with dorms I believe). Most Classes transferred to UW - Milwaukee.

As a parent I highly recommend Lake City. My son was a 2.5 student in HS, 2.6 his first 2 semesters at LCCC..now 3.6.

The kids do feel that Lake City is boring.

Again, good advice. Lake city has a reputable program with fine coaches. There are not many dorms at the juco's here, you will have to check that out. Some kids just rent apartments together and some find sponsor families, usually another local kid thats on the roster.
Happy New Year
Coachric

I agree with the consensus that Panhandle Conference is top-notch competition. I would personally recommend Tallahassee CC. Coach McLeod is an excellent teacher (esp. pitching) and averages 10 players signing with 4-year schools every year. Tallahassee is a lot more interesting than Lake City (no offense!) and there is housing nearby but no dorms.

Any JC Coach will attend the president day tournament in Cocoa Beach? Feb 17-20th a lot of Northeast School good time to watch some prospect that you can't see play during the HS season...

I'm a senior From Canada and for the last 4 years I go in Florida every spring with my HS but this year we will play in a Tournament and I think It is a good way to get exposure in the south...
If any coach interested and need C/OF for the 06 Season PM me I will be there and I will be ready to tryout for you...
I am very determinated!
Thanks

Francis