Howard Palmetto Khoury League Division III softball has a new vice president.

Peter Cerda

Peter Cerda has taken on the responsibility of Vice President for the Division III Softball program. Cerda will make sure that all of the teams are balanced, that the coaches abide by the rules and assure that Division III runs smoothly.

"I'm sure the challenges will come early in the season," said Cerda. "But the Khoury league has a bunch of great people volunteering that are willing to pass down helpful knowledge that will enable me to iron out any problems that may arise."

As vice president overseeing the Division, Cerda will be in charge of approximately 70 girls.

"My first priority is going to be the kids," he said. "I want to make sure it's a positive experience for each and every kid in Division III."

The responsibilities of the Khoury League will be only half the battle for Cerda. He and wife Noris -- who happens to be his high school sweetheart--have two boys, Richard, 10, and Peter,Jr., 9, with a third child on the way.

"My biggest challenge is going to be doing the best job for the Howard

Palmetto Khoury League while getting ready for my new born," said Cerda.

Cerda also will coach both of his sons in the coming season and return to the classroom for his final semester before receiving his undergraduate degree.

"I have aspirations of becoming the head coach of a softball team at the high school level" said Cerda, who also is the assistant softball coach at Southridge Senior High School.

Cerda will begin his day at 6:00 a.m. by making sure his kids are ready for school and then venture off to school himself. After school, he will race to Southridge to assist in coaching the girls softball team, then race to the Khoury league to coach his kid's team, at the same time making sure everything is in good order with Division III softball, while still trying to find time to maintain his grades.

"I am sure it will be difficult, but with my biggest supporter by my side, my wife, who has been there with me in my many transitions, I am sure I will not let any of my responsibilities pass without success," said Cerda.