MOUNT DORA – James Bayly has recorded winning records in eight of his nine seasons as head softball coach at Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley High School.

And he brings that success to Lake County.

Christian Academy of Mount Dora Sporting Director Megan Ziegelhofer recently announced that Bayly will be the Bulldogs’ next coach, replace Josh Swearingen, who resigned in May after six seasons with the program.

“Coach Bayly is an exceptional addition to our staff at MDCA,” said Ziegelhofer. “Our softball program has been very successful over the years and Coach Bayly has what it takes to take it to an even higher level. He will be an asset to the Mount Dora Christian family and a huge Christian influence on our student-athletes. “

Bayly recorded a 139-65 record with the Patriots, including 20 winning seasons in 2018 (20-5 record) and 2021 (20-8). During his tenure at Lake Brantley, he qualified for the regionals twice – the regional class 9A semifinals in 2016 and the class 7A regional finals in 2020.

The Patriots have won several conference and district titles, and Bayly was named coach of the year.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the culture exhibited by MDCA,” Bayly said. “Because of my extensive coaching expertise, I know I will be able to continue to build on the legacy of faith, education and service while expanding the softball program. ”

Previous coverage:MDCA falls in softball semifinals; Josh Swearingen steps down as head coach

Softball all zones:Levendoski d’Eustis named All-Region Softball Player of the Year

On the way to the Final Four:MDCA baseball defeats Seffner Christian in 8 innings to advance to state semifinals

Swearingen led MDCA to one of his most successful races during his stint with the Bulldogs, compiling a record 115-41, including four seasons with at least 20 wins. The MDCA has won five district titles – the exception coming in 2020, when the season was canceled early due to the COVID-19 pandemic – as well as four regional championships and four state Final Four appearances class 2A.

The Bulldogs’ record under Swearingen was a 26-5 in 2019. That year MDCA reached the Class 2A State Championship game, its first appearance in a title game since 1999, when ‘he won the Class A crown.

Swearingen announced his resignation on May 18 following the Bulldogs’ 8-3 loss to Jacksonville University Christian in the state semifinals, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, especially his two school-aged children . He also said that 2020 was “one of the most difficult years of my life”.

“It was a tough decision, but it’s a decision I have to make,” Swearingen said in May after telling his players he had resigned. “My father passed away in November after contracting COVID-19 and it really touched me. It’s just the right decision for my family, and at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for them.

“Over the years I have spent a lot of time training and invested a lot of time working with other players and other people’s children and I need to spend more time with my own. I have five years left with my oldest at home and seven with my youngest, and I really need to be a father to them.

Registration open for Tavares Babe Ruth Baseball, Softball

Tavares Babe Ruth Baseball-Softball Leagues are hosting online registration August 31st for its various leagues.

The local organization, which is a paying member of the national organization, offers the opportunity to play baseball and softball for boys and girls ages 3 to 15 in a variety of leagues, depending on the age of every player.

The cost of registration is $ 85 per player.

In addition to the regular season, there will be an Opening Jamboree on September 25, during which each team is recognized and honored. At the end of the regular season, there will be a Season Celebration Day on November 20, during which all teams will be presented with a trophy.

The registration fee covers insurance, shirts, hats and the cost of hiring umpires for the season. Parents are requested to provide pants, a belt and shoes for their players.

Players are allowed to play “up” in the classification if the player (and parents) so desire.

For more information, contact Pete Sherrard at 352-742-6477 or [email protected]