Goad stays close to home

This article appeared in the St. Petersburg Times on Aug. 9, 2001.

By Steve Lee

With school starting soon, former Gulf basketball standout Nate Goad felt he had to make a decision.

The Times All-County and All Sunshine Athletic Conference forward chose Florida College In Temple Terrace rather than Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn., near where his grandmother and other relatives live.

"I wanted to stay around here for at least a couple of years," said Goad, who last week signed a package of academic/athletic scholarships worth about $8,000 of the $13,000 annual cost at the two-year Christian school.

Florida College coach Kenny Moorer said Goad orally committed, but as of Wednesday Moorer had not received the paperwork.

"It's going to happen," Moorer said of the impending signing. "I think the fit's very good."

"I was like a nervous pop in the waiting room waiting for this deal to get done," Gulf coach Steve Feldman said. "I think Nate wanted to weigh his options."

A 3.8 grade-point average, the chance to stay involved with his church -- Vineyard Christian Fellowship in New Port Richey where Goad's father Darrel is pastor -- and an opportunity for the 6-foot-4 forward to play some at guard factored into Goad's decision.

"That's what I love to do; be able to have the freedom to shoot, and I like to go inside too," said Goad who averaged 18.3 points and 11 rebounds as a senior.

"I feel like he can play any position," said Moorer, who plans to utilize Goad as a swingman. "Typically, a kid his size will have to step out more in college. I think he can do that, but I think he can go inside as well."

Goad sprained his left ankle and did not play much as a junior, but overcame that injury with a standout senior season.

The Falcons went 18-13 last season in the National Junior College Athletic Association and finished fourth in the National Small College tournament.

Goad, who plans to study business or ministry, hopes to continue playing basketball at a four-year school after graduating from Florida College.

"I really still have a passion to play basketball," he said.

Goad is the sixth Pasco County player committed to play college basketball next season. The others are Joe Anders (Ridgewood/University of Tampa), Donny Lotz (Ridgewood/University of North Florida in Jacksonville), Ryan Van Blarcom (Land O'Lakes/Southeastern College in Lakeland), Leonard Bates (Pasco/Saint Leo) and Casey Johnson (River Ridge/Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala.).

"It's been a banner year for the county," Feldman said.