The Newbies march across the pitcher’s mound escorted by a few dads. The team is coached by Sharon Rankin.
More photos from this event can be found in the Thursday, May 2, 2013 issue of The Monitor.

Special to The Monitor
EUSTACE–Purtis Creek State Park has moved the date of their 21st annual Kid Fish and Play Day event to Saturday, May 11. The event will be held from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The event is usually the first Saturday in June, which is the one day in Texas that you do not need a fishing license called “Free Sport Fishing Day.”
The June date is very popular for parks to hold fishing events.
At Purtis Creek, you never need a fishing license to fish, so to provide a better event to our visitors we moved the date to May.
This also helps the kids out with a better tournament opportunity in that fishing in the late spring provides a much better catching opportunity than in the heat of the summer.
This year’s event will have more activities and information than in the past.
There will be opportunities to climb a rock wall, put together a seed ball and plant it into our grassland area to help restore the native prairie, visit a clear-water stream and view all the neat things that happen just under the water.
Visitors can also see how our Biologists use a “shock boat” to survey the lake and determine how healthy it is and if more fish are needed for stocking.
The main goal of kid fish and play day is to bring the family outdoors and provide educational opportunities to help them feel more confident and comfortable spending time in the park and our local natural areas.
Angler education stations will be primed with volunteers and activities to help you learn to tie knots, identify the types of fish you could be catching, understanding the rules and regulations of fishing in Texas and how to rig your pole, tackle and bait to provide the best opportunity to catch.
The first 500 children age 3-16 to complete all four required stations will be given a free rod, reel and bait to begin their fishing experience.
A “kids only” fishing tournament begins at 9 a.m. and goes until noon.
Trophies are awarded for the first and second largest fish in three age categories.
The Friends of Purtis Creek have partnered with Brookshire’s, Dr. Pepper and Ozarka to make sure lunch is provided free of charge.
These efforts, along with local business donating door prizes and items like bait and tackle, additional craft and play area opportunities for the smaller children should provide something for everyone to enjoy.
With all these improved efforts and TPWD Divisional support, Purtis Creek is setting the stage for a premier outdoor event.
The event is free, and no entry fees into the park will be collected until 5 p.m.

By Sam Epps
Sports Editor
EUSTACE–After taking a struggling Eustace Bulldog football team to two consecutive playoff appearances, head football coach Brian Herman has resigned as coach and athletics director. His resignation is effective Friday, May 3.
Herman turned the Bulldogs from a three-win team to finishing 10-2 in his first year. His overall record at Eustace is 15-8.
Herman is now headed to the District 27-4A Lockhart Lions as their new head coach and athletics coordinator.
The position as athletics coordinator carries many of the same job functions as athletics director, but he will report to Lockhart AD Sheila Henderson.
There, he will attempt to turn a struggling, yet improving, Lion football team into regular playoff contenders.
Meanwhile, Eustace finds itself with the unenviable task of seeking a new head coach.
“I think he (Herman) stepped in and continued taking our football program to the next level,” Eustace ISD superintendent Coy Holcombe said. “We look forward to continuing to move forward.”
Herman, who has roots in the Austin area, is excited about the next phase in his career.
“This is a family move for me,” Herman said. “We have many friends, family and ties to this area.”
Herman relishes his time in Eustace, and is excited about the Bulldogs’ future.
“They (Eustace) offer great support, great kids and great facilities,” he commented. “Eustace has a great opportunity to continue progressing.”
As for Lockhart, the Lions will get a young, energetic coach with a proven record.
“We’re excited about what Herman will bring to the program here,” Henderson said.
Lockhart just missed the playoffs last season, and had a 6-4 record. The previous season, they were 2-8, and had an 0-6 district record.