William “Ernie” Chatman coached in Hernando County for over 40 years. At Hernando High School, his alma mater, he coached baseball, cross country, softball, track and field, and boy’s basketball, and served as athletic director.

Coach Chatman collected 21 conference, 18 district, 11 regional, and one state championship. He coached the 1983 Dixie Majors to a World Series Championship, completed 104 marathons, at least one in all 50 states and Washington DC, held an 8,814 day consecutive running streak and coached multiple athletes to professional careers. He was given the Key to the City of Brooksville in 2004, inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Hernando High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

On July 24, 2016, at the age of 66, Coach Ernie Chatman passed away.

On Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 6:45 pm, the City of Brooksville, along with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, will honor Coach Ernie Chatman in a Field Dedication ceremony.

The ceremony will take place immediately prior to the first home game of the Hernando High Girls Softball team. The softball field at Tom Varn Stadium will be named as follows: Ernie Chatman Field at Tom Varn Stadium

If you would like additional information, please contact the City of Brooksville Parks & Recreation Office at 352-540-3830.