It was a bittersweet gathering as friends and family of the late Coach “Ernie” Chatman met to honor him with the 2017 Great Brooksvillian Award. The ceremony took place at City Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017.
Ernie passed away last year of a heart-attack at the age of sixty-six. His widow, Linda; their children and grandchildren were there to hear the accolades and anecdotes related by various individuals who knew the popular coach.
Mayor Robert Battista made opening remarks and introductions. City council members Betty Erhard, Joe Bernardini and Natalie Kahler read excerpts from the printed program that described Coach Chatman’s many achievements both locally and around the state.
Longtime friend, local attorney Bruce Snow presided over the ceremony and described Ernie as a man who minded his “P’s and Q’s.”
Snow stated, “He was Praiseworthy, Persistent and Professional. He had Pride not only in what he was able to accomplish personally, but he also had pride in his family and in the players that he coached. He had a Passion for his family and for the sports he loved.”
“He was a Quintessential coach and marathon runner. He was also Questful. Those things that he was passionate about, he set out with a great quest to accomplish. He was also Quirky,” Snow continued, describing how his friend made sure he got in his daily run, even if it was 10:30 at night and also his superstitions when it came to sports.
Chatman’s son, Bret, spoke about his father.
“If he were here tonight, he would not be one to go through a list of his accomplishments. My dad loved Brooksville. I don’t think there’s a better way to honor a man who loved Brooksville so much than the 2017 Great Brooksvillian Award.”
Chatman joins other longtime Brooksville residents to receive this prestigious award, including Julia Jenkins and Jan Knowles who were present at the ceremony.
The evening concluded with the unveiling of a plaque containing Coach Chatman’s name along with those of past recipients. This plaque hangs in City Hall. Another plaque with the City of Brooksville’s seal and his name on it was presented to Chatman’s family.
To quote from the printed program: “Coach Chatman is remembered not as a man measured by the things he collected, but by the lives he touched and positively impacted. He had integrity, compassion, drive, vision, faith, hope, honesty and never gave up on anyone”
For more information on William “Ernie” Chatman, Jr. – his life, his legacy and his achievements go to https://hernandosun.com/chatman