Hernando County Hawks are back for a second season of semi-pro amateur adult football and have signed up for the Elite American Football League’s upcoming season. On Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, the Hawks held their one and only evaluation camp for the 2024 season at Delta Woods Park. Hernando County Hawks Owner Austin Webster is going into his second season with the team. He is a new father; at the same time. He’s juggling a full-time blue-collar job and the adventures of fatherhood with his son Asher. Austin started the Hawks to build something that would make a difference in our community—giving men a chance to live out their dreams while laying a foundation for future generations. Owner Austin Webster shared, “I started the 2023 season as a player and the owner of the Hawks. The vision didn’t align with our previous staff, so I stepped in to take over, becoming the head coach. It was a tough transition, but I soon discovered a new side of football that I fell in love with. When I took over as head coach, we were 0-3, but I brought my team in and finished 3-3 in the final six games.”
Austin will be returning in the 2024 season as the head coach for the Hernando County Hawks. Also returning will be Offensive Coordinator Dan Wright and Defensive Coordinator Landon Webster. Austin Webster and the Hawks team are excited for a big year ahead. The Hawks are looking for committed and whole-hearted players who hate to lose. The Hawks have many goals and need serious players who are interested in their goals to take the team to the next level. The Hawks’ entire staff is comprised of knowledgeable coaches who love teaching the game and are looking forward to working together to get the ball rolling this season. They don’t hold anything back, so get ready!
Owner Austin stated, “This being our first and only combine has much to do with all the returning players and all the new players who have already signed with us. We are looking for more beef up front, but the door is always open for anyone who comes to the tryouts. Because, at the end of the day, the best player plays no matter the position. The Hawks are sitting at 54 players before the combine, allowing us to finalize the team roster so we can get to work early this year. Regarding practices, the Hawks’ week OTA’S will kick off sometime in September; dates are not official yet. Fans are welcome to come out and see what we are building these four weeks, but once it goes to official practices will be private.”
Austin ended with, “We can’t spoil all we have planned for the 2024 season.”
Some participants at the combine commented below:
Offensive Coordinator Coach Dan Wright stated, “It went well, and seeing the competition out on the field was great. We still have a lot of work to do to get where we want to be, but it was encouraging, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish this season.”
Brandon Eirman stated, “The combine was excellent, and it was good to be back on the field. A lot of new guys came out today, as did a lot of vets. 2024 is going to be a good year. We all still have a lot to work on, but I know as long as we work and are closer like a family, we all do that nobody is getting passed us.”
Ray Brown shared, “I liked the combine. It turned out well.”
Jordan Wright, last season’s quarterback for the Hawks, stated, “I am happy to see this group of guys committing to the team so quickly. They had a bunch of new weapons out there that they brought into the team. I’m excited to get to work with the new Hawks and show the league and county that the Hawks are serious.”
