Bates to head Hartselle softball program

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Daniel Bates, an assistant softball coach for the past three years has been named the head softball coach at Hartselle High School for the 2008-09 school year. He follows Shane Alexander who resigned from the position at the end of last school year to devote more time to his family.
Bates’ promotion was approved by a 4-0 vote of the school board at its Monday night meeting. Chairman Dr. Andy Dukes was not present.
A native of Limestone County, Bates is a seven-year veteran of the Hartselle School District. He teaches agriscience at Hartselle Junior High School and has served as an assistant football coach for four years and assistant softball coach under Alexander for three years. He is a graduate of Tanner High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in agriscience education from Alabama A&M University.
Bates said he’s excited about his new coaching job and recognizes it as both a challenge and an opportunity.
Bates said it didn’t take long for softball to get into his blood after he made the change from coaching football.