FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 1999


FHSAA weekly television show to debut Tuesday, Jan. 12 on Sunshine Network

GAINESVILLE – "‘High School Sports Xtra’ Presented by the Florida High School Activities Association", a weekly magazine show devoted to Florida high school sports will make its debut at 5 p.m. EST Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1999 on Sunshine Network.
James Bates, former University of Florida linebacker and a captain of the Gators’ 1996 national championship team, will host the 30-minute show. Bates currently can be seen in the box office hit "The Waterboy", starring Adam Sandler, and on episodes of the syndicated "Mortal Kombat" television show. He also was a member of the broadcast team for Sunshine Network’s Dodge Champions Series weekly high school football game of the week.

The series premiere will focus on basketball with previews and highlight footage featuring 15 of the top girls and boys teams in the state. Future shows will include features on girls and boys soccer and wresting.

" ‘High School Sports Xtra’ is an exciting new venture for the Florida High School Activities Association," said Robert W. Hughes, Commissioner of the Association. "It demonstrates the FHSAA’s growing commitment to promoting high school athletics – not just regulating them.

"This show will provide statewide recognition to the Association’s member schools, coaches and, most importantly, student-athletes. We hope that everyone will tune in each week."

The show, which will have an initial run of 12 weeks, is sponsored by The New Dodge and Gatorade, both corporate sponsors of the FHSAA.

Sunshine Network is a statewide cable network dedicated to public affairs and sports programming. Check local listings for availability in your area.

Contact:
Jack Watford
Director of Communications, FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 170
jwatford@fhsaa.org