Category: Athens

City of Athens not using search firm for City Manager hunt

Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

The Athens City Council will not be using a search firm to find its next city manager.

The city manager’s job became open last month when Philip Rodriguez resigned to take a similar position in Colorado. The city has contracted with Gary Whittle of Texas First Group to serve as the interim city manager.

Whittle said his firm will be helping the city with the recruitment process as well.

“Kerry Sweatt, principal in the firm, has successfully assisted other cities in their recruitment process, with the most recent being the City of Dayton and Karnes City,” Whittle said. “Even though Texas First Group is not a search firm, Mr. Sweatt feels he is an integral part of the City just as the interim position he provides, therefore, his assistance is a part of his agreement at no additional charge. He has over 50 years of experience in local government and has been a partner, and now sole owner, in Texas First Group for about 18 years.”

Whittle said the next step for the City Council is develop a city manager profile to use in the recruiting process. He said officials hope to have a new hire in four to five months.

Athens Hornets hold intrasquad scrimmage

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXsxWBChRCG/

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

It is really early and Athens was only in pads for the second day, but here are five thoughts from the Hornets’ intrasquad scrimmage held Saturday morning at Bruce Field.

1. I heard that the Hornets were going to roll with a new offense this year, but seeing is believing … and I believe. Quarterback Xavius Fulton went 3-4 during the scrimmage’s opening drive, which ended in a touchdown. That’s more passing in one series than we’ve seen in some games. You’ll even see Athens in the shotgun at times this season.

2. TE Rowdy Godwin has some nice hands.

3. I have to give kudos to Coach Paul Essary and the rest of the Hornet coaching staff for knowing when to change. It had to be hard to leave an offense that has brought so much success to Athens, but the makeup of this team is different than it has been in the past. The 2017 Hornets are very talented, but in a different way than the 2015 team and smart coaches adapt to their players.

4. One thing that won’t change is the physical nature of the Hornets. Athens is still going to hit, and hit hard.

5. BOLD PREDICTION: Bruce Field is now something special and even though there hasn’t been a game held there yet, I’m going to predict that Hornet fans are going to most love …. the new bathrooms!

6. BONUS THOUGHT: The cheerleaders and bell guard looked in midseason form this morning during photos. Hornet Nation is in good hands on the sidelines.

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PODCAST: Athens Hornets to hold intrasquad scrimmage

The Athens Hornets will hold an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday morning at Bruce Field. The scrimmage will begin after the team finishes getting photos taken and should start about 9:30 to 9:45 a.m.

“The public is welcome to come,” said Coach Paul Essary, “it’s free of charge.”

“Work on your tan while you’re watching us work a little Hornet football and see what’s in the future for this year,” he said.