BROOKSVILLE- There’s a new goal that’s been set by current Hernando High School athletic director Mark Lee and that’s to get an artificial turf field installed at Tom Fisher Stadium and one of the first big steps to make that happen has begun.
A local doctor’s office run by local chiropractor Chris LaRocca has begun donating towards the huge project that will take place at the school. LaRocca’s office donated $10,000 towards what is estimated to be a $1.4-million project that could take less than a year.
“We are excited at Hernando to get the Jerome Brown Project started,” Lee said. “Our
principal, Leechele Booker, is 100% wanting to honor Jerome Brown but wants it done in the right way in how we name the field after him.”
Lee has started the Jerome Brown Project in hopes of raising the necessary $1.4-million needed in order to install the new artificial turf field. Installing an artificial turf field has been something Lee has wanted to do within Hernando County since his time as an athletic director at Weeki Wachee High School. Brown played football collegiately at the University of Miami and then starred in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“We know this is a lofty goal but I feel with the strong community of Brooksville, this goal is attainable,” Lee said. “We want the turf field and want to put a statue of Jerome at the field as well. This will be great for the community to see one of their own and the legacy Jerome has.”
A fundraiser is set for July 20th to help with the fundraising efforts, as Lee has set up a golf tournament at the Brooksville Country Club. Cost to join the tournament is $300.00 per foursome. For those interested can contact Lee at (352) 797-7015 or [email protected].
“Attaining this goal will be great for the school and the community for the amount of usage it will get,” Lee added. “Youth leagues in both football and soccer as well as all the high school sports will be able to use it. Events can happen on this field that could lead to some great community.”
