For the first time in more than four decades, Vestavia Hills High School has a new head football coach: Sean Calhoun. He should be called the head coach, Calhoun said. He led Fayetteville (Tenn.) High to the 2020 Class 1A state title and compiled a 34-4 record in three seasons there. Rush Propst. Reach her at madoline.markham@homewoodlife.com. With technology our kids are exposed to so much. And I know that Buddy Anderson will carry on making a difference in the lives of young people. It was an honor meeting him. He compiled a 51-12 record over five seasons with the Trojans including three region championships and five quarterfinal playoff appearances. He earned a football scholarship to Samford University where he would get his degree. RELATED: DuBose confident in Orange Beachs future. Since the early 70s, on Wednesday nights his house has been full of athletes who want to learn more about God. Photo provided to Vestavia City Schools by Robert Evans. Vakakes won 49 games in nine years at Jackson-Olin. I told the team if our best players are our best people in general we have a great chance of being successful. Its not just a job. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I wanted my players and this community to know that that is big for me and my family. He started improving and started to progress. He won 110 games and four state titles with the Saints and has 210 wins in 26 years as a head coach overall. He and his father are also one of only two father-son pairs to be inducted into the Alabama High School Hall of Fame. The official Roster for the Vestavia Hills High School The official staff directory for the Vestavia Hills High School Staff Directory - Vestavia Hills High School Skip To Main Content Pause All Rotators Skip To Main Content Vestavia Hills High School Vestavia Hills High School Right now, hes in a battle with Forte Edmonds.. When my dad passed away, he was one of the first to call, and we talked for over an hour. Its definitely an honor to be the next one, said Calhoun, who became just the seventh head football coach at Vestavia after compiling a 51-12 record in five years at Carrollton, Ga. I cant say enough about the man, the coach and the family man he is that Ive gotten to know. He won 77 games with the Toros and the 2015 6A title. One of the first things they did in their efforts to move forward was to hire Buddy Anderson as their head football coach. Vestavia Hills City Schools is committed to ensuring all information placed on its public website is accessible to individuals with disabilities. His playoff record is 47-29 while his region record stands at 152-71 which is the most region wins in state history. Coach, Assistant Athletic Director - Pizitz, Head Coach - 7th Football, 8th Women's Basketball, Assistant Athletic Director - Pizitz, Head Coach - Pizitz Wrestling, Varsity Head Coach - Men's Golf, Asst. Fast forward to 2020: Coach Anderson has been still setting a solid example and leading young men to victory on and off the field for nearly 50 years. The former Williamson and Auburn star is finally the man in charge of his alma mater. Mark Freeman won two. A whole lot. I probably would have closed it out last year, but it didnt feel right with the way school ended, he says. All rights reserved. Hes been the teams defensive coordinator for six years under Dedrick Sumpter and then Melvin Pete Jr. Coleman has brought back several former Williamson and Mobile prep stars to join his staff, including Jamarcus Russell and Sherman Williams. He graduated college in 1972 with high expectations for a coaching career but when no offers came his way he returned to Samford to obtain his Masters degree. His record as a head football coach for the past 43 years at Vestavia Hills High School is 346-160 with two state football championships. Vestavia Hills Magazineis publishedquarterly by Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Vestavia Hills Football! We aim to promote learning without limits. It took about five months to find a house for the five Calhouns after he took on the task of replacing Alabamas all-time winningest high-school football coach Buddy Anderson in January. There was a really good excitement in the air. New coach Sean Calhoun said Smith would be the Rebels' best offensive lineman in 2021. Traditional powers like St. Pauls, Hoover and Spanish Fort all changed leaders as did reigning state champs Pike Road and Vigor. During his 42 seasons with the Rebels, Anderson became the winningest football coach at any level of play in Alabama history and was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame. Lundberg had been an assistant at Hueytown. Although he was still young, he was already a strong leader to step in as students and athletes struggled through the crisis though. He was hired in the fall of 1972 as an assistant coach at Vestavia Hills where he remained for 43 seasons. The Gazette went out of business about five weeks later. Grider has had success as a program builder. Stover replaces Steve Meek, who retired after 11 seasons leading the Eagles. Michael Seale , Patch Staff Posted Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 9:13 am CT The Indians have won three state titles since 2017 so expectations will be high. Coach Anderson says that those FCA camps helped to keep their marriage strong for decades, and its also where he got the idea to start an FCA group in his home. Published: Jan. 5, 2022 at 7:44 AM PST. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com). Vestavia Hills Football Roster 2022-23 Players (99) Staff (2) Do you have a team photo? This year felt right. Sadly, it would be their last. His Rebel teams won 16 area and region championships, and made 31 state playoff appearances. Explore the benefits. He takes over an Enterprise that has been a fairly consistent winner but hasnt had much playoff success. He shared that when he finally decided to retire, he prayed about it a lot. information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting This team has a great nucleus and a great senior class. When we got here, we were playing him at receiver, splitting time at quarterback. 2235 Limerock Rd. He retired following the 2020 season as the winningest football coach in the state. They also face a brutal Region 2 schedule that includes Auburn, Central-Phenix City, Opelika and Prattville among others. Morson takes over for Waldrop at Florence. Hoover coach Wade Waldrop directs his team during the Hustle Up 7on7 national tournament at the Hoover Met Complex in Hoover, Ala., Friday, July 15, 2022. Hes a good football player and one of those who makes you better, for sure., Calhoun also singled out his top two defensive ends juniors Andrew Sykes and Lane Whisenhunt. What I expect from this team is to give 100 percent. Coach, Head Coach - 7th Men's Basketball, Asst. Calhoun was hired as the new head coach at Colquitt County High School in Georgia. Hes served since 2018 as defensive coordinator at Mountain Brook High School. The Valdosta football team was also placed on probation for the 2021 football season, therefore preventing them from participating in any playoff games. Hes intelligent and can play a lot of different positions.REL. However, in Propst's last game as Hoover's head coach, they lost in the third round to another crosstown rival Vestavia Hills 21-17, a game considered by many Alabama sportswriters to be the biggest rivalry in the state. Thank you all for all that you do for Vestavia Athletics. VHSC Girls Staff U12-U19. His team finished the season with an on-field record of 10-2 (6-6 including the four forfeit losses). I dont think its any kind of secret that people talk about Vestavia not being very athletic, he said. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). He was also the founder of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Vestavia Hills High School. Sean Calhoun and his family finally are making Vestavia Hills their home. Coach - Volleyball, Head Coach - Softball, Head Coach - Volleyball, Asst. Congratulations to Robert Evans, who has been named the new Vestavia Hills High School head football coach. Also, parents dont need to make it all better all the time. [16] In 2011, Colquitt finished 11-3 after losing 35-31 to the eventual state champions, Grayson High School, in the state semifinal game. Free self-guided test prep materials through the VHHS Library. [25] The letter was a result of the board voting to not renew Bishop's contract as principal, an act which garnered widespread coverage by local news media. [37] The PSC investigation into Propst (case 19-2-1025) was settled with a 131 day suspension. Box 947 (Ironically, Ford had previously advocated in a Gazette column that Propst be hired to fill the then-vacant head coach position at the University of Alabama at Birmingham). And I know God still has a plan for me, I just dont know what all it will be yet.. The Jaguars have suffered through four straight losing seasons and went just 2-8 a year ago. 18. During those discussions, Ford was fired, live and on the air, by Gazette general manager John Junkin. The Jaguars went 7-4 each of the last two years and made the playoffs. Great Moments in Alabama High School Football History. Kenny Morson, shown during a game as head coach at Fayetteville (Tenn.) High School, was hired as the new Florence High School football coach on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. All of our coaches are really good men, first, and really good football coaches.. [14][15] In 2010, he led Colquitt County to the GHSA Class 5A State Championship Game. I told him as long as he is comfortable with it I definitely need to use him as a resource. Ford, was then hired by editor Dale Jones of The Western Star in nearby Bessemer, after his firing from The Hoover Gazette. He now takes over the tradition-rich Toros. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. [30], At a special meeting of the Hoover Board of Education on October 30, 2007, Propst announced that he would resign, but would continue to coach the team as far as they progress in the 2007 playoffs. Whats one good thing about high school athletics in 2020? records may be incomplete. 2022-2023 VHSC Boys Staffing. Vestavia Hills High School football coach resigns after 1 year, Two people in custody after police chase, manhunt near Warrior & Hayden, Team Manager w/1P36 Deletion Syndrome Makes Big Shot on Senior Night. Calhoun ran Colquitts offense in 2014 and 2015, during which the Packers were 30-0 and won two state titles under coach Rush Propst. If you are at a place this long, you are doing a lot of things the right way. Today eight coaches at VHHS are Andersons former players too. I have been fortunate to know Coach Anderson for years, and when we talked about this story, I couldnt pass up the chance to ask a few questions of my own. I may have some different tactics, but when you get down to the basics of our program, the foundation coach Anderson has already laid is absolutely fantastic. (Submitted). While the school was distraught, they had to carry on. Basketball, Boys' [12] After community uproar over the interview, Propst decided to stay at Colquitt County.[13]. His Rebel teams won 16 area and region championships, and made 31 state playoff appearances. [11] When Les Koenning left the University of South Alabama in January 2009, head coach Joey Jones interviewed Propst to fill the vacant position as the offensive coordinator. It wasnt something they had planned to do, and they werent really sure how they would find a way to attend. Vestavia Hills Football. Claim this team Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. 1Rebel Athletics. The Makos do have some talent returning, including quarterback Cash Turner and all-state athlete Chris Pearson, but they also make the jump from 2A all the way to 4A. The investigation resulted in the forfeiture of four games, including a 1-0 loss to crosstown rival Spain Park High School, the first loss to the Jaguars in the history of the teams' rivalry. When you get your nose bloodied, you get back up. VESTAVIA HILLS SOCCER CLUB OFFICE 1973 Merryvale Road Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 (205) 978-0182 If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "Coach Calhoun has dedicated his career to investing in the lives of young men through the sport of football," Freeman said. Fundamentally my ideals and values are the exact same. [11], On January 30, 2008, Propst was named head coach at Colquitt County High School. Pike Road head coach Patrick Browning paces the sidelines during the first half of the Greenville at Pike Road high-school football game, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Pike Road, Ala. (Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)Vasha Hunt. Spanish Fort needed a new coach after Blackmon left after seven years. While his focus was always on the students, Coach Anderson saw many wins in his tenure too. "I made mistakes. He sure had a big impact on me and my life, and I am grateful for him., 2010 graduate Austin Whitt speaks to a similar influence on his life. He runs the show and keeps this whole place in line. They are both about 6-foot-2, 6-3 and are about 220 pounds. Columbiana, AL 35051, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, 7 November Events Not to Miss in Vestavia Hills, Meet New Vestavia Hills High School Football Coach Sean Calhoun, Five March Events Not to Miss in Vestavia Hills, Five February Events Not to Miss in Vestavia Hills, Five January Events Not to Miss in Vestavia Hills. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. I dont think whoever they could have hired could fill those shoes. The Wildcats havent advanced past the second round since 1993. Coach Volleyball, Asst. Life is like football, he told me. Thomas Rush Propst (born December 1957) is a high school football coach who currently serves as athletic director and associate football coach at Coosa Christian School in Gadsden, Alabama. Coach Anderson was such a great high school coach not only because of his coaching ability but because he cared more about the men he was raising by coaching them, he says. Anderson built his National High School Sports Hall of Fame legacy over 43 years as head coach at Vestavia, winning 346 of his 560 games. RELATED: Smith looks to continue Toros winning ways, Spanish Fort head coach Ben Blackmon and the Toros prepare for the prep football game against Daphne on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com). Director of Athletics - Vestavia Hills City Schools, Administrative Athletic Director, Varsity Head Coach - Softball, Assistant Athletic Director - Liberty Park, Head 7th Grade Football, Asst. He previously served eight years as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator at Hoover High School and spent time at Oak Mountain, Spanish Fort, and UAB. Dovey Ralph "Buddy" Anderson, is a part of the second father-son combination in the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame as his father Dovey Fair Anderson was inducted in the Hall of Fames first class in 1991. Now he has plans to retire from coaching after this falls football season. In the spring of 1973, Coach Anderson and his wife, Linda, made their first trip to a National Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) conference. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Vestavia Hills Magazineis publishedquarterly by RT @1rebelbaseball: Schedule changes for tomorrow: The Varsity DH scheduled for tomorrow @ Austin has been moved to tomorrow @ Sammy Dunn Field starting @ 4:00 The Freshman DH scheduled for tomorrow @ Sammy Dunn Field has been moved to Cullman starting . (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory | preps@al.com. What would you say to someone who is going into coaching now? Bert Newton, son of former Homewood coach and AHSAA Hall of Famer Bob Newton, is the new defensive coordinator. [1] He is also the former head coach at Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia, Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama, and Valdosta High School in Valdosta, Georgia. Calhoun, who picked up his offensive know-how as a backup Air Raid QB at Valdosta State under now-Samford coach Chris Hatcher, said the Rebels will continue to be known as a tough football team. He went 7-4 his first season and won 64 games in eight years overall. But on July 28, 2007, The Birmingham News went public with the allegations when it published a letter from attorneys for Bishop to the Hoover Board of Education. Every team has two things: good coaches and good players. "I am remorseful for what I have done. In any given day we were arguably with our coaches more than our parents, so its really important to have a coach you can see as a father figure., My own son played for Coach Anderson and never missed a single one of those FCA meetings. Orange Beach head coach Jamey DuBose discusses the upcoming prep football season during Baldwin County Media Day on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com). AGE BIRTH YEARS TEAMS FORMAT COACH; U19: 2004: Steamers 04 Black: 11v11: Robert Starr: U18: 2005: Steamers 05 Black: 11v11: Robert Starr: U17: 2006: . We have the pieces of the puzzle here, and its my job to move them around to make that product. Thats where he bonds with the players and really connects with them. [22] Bishop originally announced that there was nothing to be concerned about, but Craig overruled Bishop and announced that a full investigation would be carried out, to be headed by former federal judge Sam C. Pointer, Jr.[23][24]. That was a big weight off our shoulders. The former Prattville and Central-Phenix City head coach returns to the state after a two-year stint in Georgia. Hire A Vestavia Hills Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning. He has helped over 250 players receive college scholarships, including players such as Chad Jackson (Florida), John Parker Wilson (Alabama), Ryan Pugh (Auburn) and Cornelius Williams (Troy). [35], On March 14, 2019, Propst was relieved of his duties as the high school's head football coach in a unanimous vote by the Colquitt County Board of Education. Calhoun played as a defensive back and quarterback for Valdosta State University from 2000 to 2004 and later joined the teams coaching staff. Guess was Pinsons offensive coordinator last season and was wide receivers coach for five years before that. Coach, Head Coach - 8th Women's Basketball, Head Coach - Football, Wrestling, Outdoor Track, Asst. Claim your team to manage the roster, schedule, scores, stats and more. Everyone who knows Coach Anderson knows that this is why he did it, and what he cared about mostpositively impacting the lives of everyone around him. When the breaks of the game go against us, we dont let up, we go harder., Finally, I asked Coach Anderson what led him to choose 2020 as his last to coach high school ball. Anytime Hoover changes coaches, it has to be big news. And countless former players went on to be successful in college athletics. They were alike in so many ways: both strong Christian men, both strong citizens in their communities and both coached over 40 years, Ryan shares. Its a game that teaches you lessons you cant learn in a book. After Buddy Anderson won 346 games in 43 years, Vestavia Hills has now had two coaching changes in as many seasons. Propst took his first coaching position as a student assistant at Ohatchee in 1977, the year they won their only state championship. He is quick to tell anyone who will listen that he was called by God to coach football on January 12, 1968. VHHS Athletics. Coaching is a commitment to working with kids. Calhouns hiring follows the 2020 retirement of Buddy Anderson who had served as Vestavia Hills head football coach since 1978. People do know were hard-nosed. #1REBEL. VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (WBRC) - Vestavia Hills High School head football coach Sean Calhoun has resigned after one season with the Rebels. us to complete every school. Copyright 2022 WBRC. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. VHHS is part of the Vestavia Hills City School District with approximately 1,800 students and 21 varsity sports. He will lead our football program into the future with the integrity that has been the foundation of our program. [17] In 2012, Colquitt finished 10-4 after losing 41-27 to the eventual state champions, Norcross High School, in the state semifinal game. Robert Evans graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 1999 and was a defensive back on Buddy Anderson's 1998 state championship team. Everyone knows hes an unbelievable coach, 1982 VHHS graduate Mitch Allen, will tell you. [38], On April 8, 2021, the Valdosta High School football team was sanctioned due to recruiting and undue influence committed by Propst and the Valdosta booster club. @1rebelathletics. Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Vestavia Hills Football Retweeted. He can run, hes smart and he also plays basketball. He also served for four seasons as quarterbacks coach at Collins Hill High School in the Atlanta area, where he coached current Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Records reflect scores in our database. He was named state coach of the year three times and the Vestavia Hills football field is named in his honor. During the 2019 football season, Propst co-hosted Tennessee Two-A-Days, a radio show on Fox Sports Knoxville. In 1998, Propst coached Alma Bryant High School, the school that resulted from Alba's merger with the high school in Grand Bay, Alabama. Gordo coach Ryan Lolley directs his team during the Cam Newton 7-on-7 tournament at BlackWatch Sports in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Were going to lean on him a lot. Robert Evans, Vestavia Hills After Buddy Anderson won 346 games in 43 years, Vestavia Hills has now had two coaching changes. I asked him to share a great lesson hed learned from Coach that he carries with him still today. Vestavia Hills' Hoke Smith (74) celebrates a score against Hoover with Randall Stokes in a 2019 file photo. Propst was relieved of coaching duties following the 2018 season. His father coached high school ball for 31 years, and it was not difficult to make the decision to follow in his footsteps. The lessons you learn in athletics last longer than the actual event itself. Now as a coach, his biggest lesson from Anderson is: The student is more important than the athlete. [28][29] Despite the forfeits, the Bucs finished the regular season with a 4-5 record and qualified for the AHSAA 6A playoffs. Mask will have to navigate a schedule at includes reigning 6A champ Clay-Chalkville (Sept. 2) as well as recent champs Oxford (Sept. 30) and Pinson Valley (Oct. 21). Calhoun previously served as offensive coordinator for two seasons at Colquitt County High School in south Georgia. That excites me because now we get to see how good our preparation is. vestavia hills football coaching staff; what is the. Select Year: 1970 <-- 2016 <- 2017 -> 2018 --> 2022. Former Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn wide receiver got the promotion at Pinson Valley following Sam Shades departure to Miles College. He was named Region Coach of the Year at the end of the 2019 and 2020 seasons. . I love Buddy Anderson. I told them I cant be the guy who wants to win more than they do. Its exciting and a little nerve-wracking taking over a program that has been in such great hands for 43 years. He takes over a Pell City team that hasnt won a playoff game since 2012 and hasnt advanced past the second round since 2003. He is a phenomenal human being, and a phenomenal coach. We just have to follow him and make our own footprints and build on his legacy. His successful experiences have prepared him to lead our football program and build on the legacy established by Coach Anderson and his teams. He can move, too. Hazel Green coach Smitty Grider shares words with the referee as Ft. Payne plays Hazel Green at Hazel Green High School Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 in Hazel Green, Ala.Eric Schultz | AL.com. That first trip to FCA camp started a yearly tradition that lasted over 40 years until the camps ended. In 1990, he married Tammy Cox, his high school sweetheart, with whom he had three children. It comes down to hard work. Propst divorced Tammy in 2008 and married his current wife, Stefnie, with whom he has four children.[3][4]. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory | preps@al.com, The mindset I had was that I needed some Alabama guys who were not previously here, Calhoun said. When I introduce him people ask, Did you say Mickey Rebel?. 7. These two really have been super bright spots for us in the spring and summer. But youve got to care about the kids. As we were writing this article, he was working on a socially distanced version, and theres no doubt he will find a way to keep the tradition alive. Im competitive and I like to win, but relationships that last a lifetime, and for eternity. A meet-and-greet event for Robert and his wife Anne Evans will be held on Monday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. at Vestavia Hills High School. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They are looking for a group. When you get knocked down, you get back up. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He is an emotional leader who is great in the locker room. All rights reserved (About Us). Before Mondays opening fall practice, the Rebels had already experienced something new. Coach, Sports Information - Pizitz Middle School, Asst. Stover played two years for Nick Saban at Alabama and has said he will bring lessons he learned from all of his coaches to his first high school head job. Claim this team Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. [27], Propst came under further scrutiny when Hanceville High School complained to the Alabama High School Athletic Association that a former player of theirs, Tristan Purifoy, did not transfer properly to Hoover High and was therefore ineligible. It was something the kids needed to be exposed to for various reasons, he said. P.O. In his column in the edition of July 4, 2007 of The Western Star, Ford reported that a number of sources, none of which would allow their name to be used, said that Propst's alleged affair also included a child born out of wedlock. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com). Spain Park coach Tim Vakakes directs his team during 7-on-7 football action at Samford University in Homewood, Ala., Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Cole Turner is a senior receiver. One is senior offensive lineman Hoke Smith, he said. He also was the first coach in Park Crossing history, winning 38 games in just four years and taking the team to the 6A semifinals in 2016.