News Summary

Wewahitchka welcomes David Mellies as the new head coach of its softball program, stepping in after the loss of legendary coach Charles ‘Scootsie’ Fortner. With a strong background in athletics and coaching, Mellies aims to inspire and build on the team’s rich history. The community is hopeful for the Lady Gators to rise again after recent challenges, under new leadership and a commitment to excellence.

Welcome David Mellies, Wewahitchka’s New Softball Head Coach!

Wewahitchka, Florida is buzzing with excitement after the announcement of David Mellies as the new head coach of the Wewahitchka softball program. This comes at a time when the community is looking to build on a rich history of softball success while honoring the legacy of the beloved former coach, Charles “Scootsie” Fortner, who recently passed away.

A New Chapter in Wewahitchka Softball

Mellies, who hails from California but made his way to Florida during his high school years, is ready to take on the challenge. He was a standout athlete himself, being an all-county baseball player in Kissimmee. After 20 dedicated years of service in the Navy, he decided to channel his passion for sports into coaching, particularly in travel softball. This transition is more than just a career move for him; it’s about making a lasting impact on young athletes.

Since 2022, Mellies has been an assistant coach for the Arnold baseball program, where he played a vital role in leading the Marlins to a historic season just last spring. If that’s not enough to earn some local admiration, his daughter, Kaylie, is also a rising star on the field as a player for the Marlins. Just recently, Kaylie signed a JUCO scholarship offer to continue her education and athletics in Alabama—a proud moment for the entire family!

Honoring the Legacy of Fortner

The Wewahitchka softball program has a proud history, including claiming three state championships in 2007, 2008, and most recently in 2018. Under the guidance of Coach Fortner, the Lady Gators won the program’s first-ever state title in 2007. Unfortunately, the community is still feeling the loss of Fortner, who devoted 30 years to coaching the Lady Gators and built a program that was both successful and respected.

Fortner achieved an impressive 542 wins against only 171 losses, racked up 12 district titles, and made it to the state semifinals seven times. He was also recognized as the Big Bend Coach of the Year and was inducted into the FHSAA Hall of Fame in 2008. His services were held recently in Wewahitchka, a testament to the deep respect held for him in the community.

Challenges Ahead for the Lady Gators

As Mellies steps into this significant role, he will undoubtedly feel the weight of expectations. The Lady Gators are looking to rebound after a tough loss against Chiefland in the recent state championship game, where Wewahitchka took an early lead but ultimately fell short with a score of 12-6. A thrilling solo homer from Brianna Bailey initially had fans cheering, but a dramatic fourth inning from Chiefland turned the tide, leading to a crushing defeat.

However, it’s important to note that the Lady Gators demonstrated their resilience by eliminating Union County with a close score of 3-2 to even reach the state final. With this new coaching leadership, Wewahitchka is hopeful for a stronger future on the field.

Looking Ahead

Mellies’ arrival marks a promising new chapter for the Wewahitchka softball program. Athletic Director Bobby Johns has emphasized the importance of an “all-in mindset” along with a commitment to the athletes and their families, qualities that Mellies brings to the table. The community is certainly ready to support this new journey as the Lady Gators continue to pursue excellence while honoring the legacy of Coach Fortner.

As the new season approaches, the excitement continues to build around Wewahitchka’s softball program, blending tradition with fresh energy. Mellies is gearing up to not only coach the players but to foster the grit, teamwork, and spirit that have become synonymous with Wewahitchka softball. It promises to be an exhilarating ride for players and fans alike!

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