Bob Jones adds Booker to softball staff
Bob Jones Head Softball Coach Kent Chambers (l) and assistant David Booker
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- David Booker has added another coaching position to his resume this time at Bob Jones.
The veteran softball travel team coach has been named assistant to head softball coach Kent Chambers. Chambers actually had two openings. Assistant Pat Cavendar retired after last season and Wade Thaxton decided not to return.
Booker has been a coach with the Huntsville Sparks softball travel teams for several seasons. The team is composed of top softball players from around the state and competes at a national level. Travel ball is where softball players in Alabama get seen by college coaches.
Booker’s daughter Sydney is one of the top softball players in the state and plays shortstop/third base for Bob Jones. She played for the Huntsville Sparks 18u Gold team along with Jordan Bullock and Bevia Robinson from Sparkman.
“I was looking for a hitting coach and approached Mr. Booker and he jumped at the opportunity,” coach Kent Chambers said. “I was well aware of his knowledge of the game and feel very fortunate to get someone so knowledgeable on short notice.”
Booker is a former football player at Huntsville High and went on to play receiver in 1979 for Alabama and Coach Bear Bryant. He coaches football at Liberty Middle School where Sydney and his youngest daughter Shelby went to school. Shelby is now on the softball team at James Clemens.
Chambers said the team just wrapped up a successful summer of practice, conditioning, and play dates and Booker came on board in time to help with that.
“Coaching at any level is important and travel ball competition is very tough. He brings high expectations because he is used to his travel teams doing very well. He told the girls his expectations are very high and he expects that from them and that is what I want from the assistant coaches.”
“He is going to be our hitting coach and first base coach,” Chambers said. “He will be involved in defense and fielding but his primary concern will be hitting.”
Booker is not a teacher in the school system but he is an AHSAA certified coach so he can start his duties immediately.
Bob Jones has some catching up to so in softball. The Lady Patriots were 0-6 in area games last season and did not reach the North Regional qualifying tournament. Sparkman is the two time defending state champion.
