All those clichs about the best player on the team being the hardest worker on the team, yada, yada, yada? It kind of started in seventh grade, Thompson said. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. Prior to taking the job at Spanish Fort, Freeman went 13-9 in two seasons at Gulf Shores and took the Dolphins to the playoffs in the first season. And if when that actually comes to fruition? Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. Knowledge of sport. Ganus was part of a Thompson coaching staff that has won three straight 7A state championships from 2019-2021. What happened to your work ethic? Thompson recalled her asking. Freeman, an Alabama graduate, attended Bessemer Academy and has maintained a home in the McCalla area. On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. He moved on to Gulf Shores in 2009. That facility will also come with a new football stadium. He will make a yearly stipend of $4,988. And the results speak for itself: over the past five seasons, the Warriors are 62-6. New Auburn defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh has already been around at Highland Home, where defensive end Keldric Faulk is a top-100 recruit who attended Auburns recent junior day. What we got to do when we go to work is we are going to put the able to win together with the want to win. Assistant Football Coach at Thompson Valley High School Loveland, Colorado, United States. I would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. With three five-stars prospects and a four-star, Thompson has put together a defense that is nearly impenetrable. Thompson had a solid freshman season, putting up 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Those totals did not include any monies received from head football coaches for their football camps. Tweets & replies. The last time I checked, back when I was at Catawba, we had 33 schools in North Carolina that were offering D-I and D-II scholarships. He coached for 10 seasons at Bessemer Academy, winning AISA titles in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. It marks the second time in the last three seasons that the Eagles will be looking for a new head coach in the month of June as Simpson took over the job from Zow in June 2019. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. Its a hotly contested game that draws huge crowds, benefitting both programs. In 2009, Freeman accepted the head coaching position at Gulf Shores High School. Johnson calls former Auburn assistant Travis Williams probably the best freaking recruiter Ive ever been around.. It had been to the playoffs only three times this century, even though a team only needs to finish in the top four in its region to qualify. Make them your biggest fans.. Even still, Thompson didnt seem like a place to win big. They have reached the Class 7A State Championship Game each of the past four years and have captured three consecutive years. Theyll offer that kid early. Fegans laughs with a nod at that description. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. Well, thats going to be some moment. In the four years before Thompson and Bullock got to campus, the Vikings won a total of 33 games. Its quarterback, Bennett Meredith, is committed to Northwestern. He has heard similarly from other Birmingham coaches. "Rogers (High) AD Ricky Hole was close friends with my dad," MacDonald said. The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. Its miracle win to bring another state. Central Cabarrus coach Jim Baker struggles to find a fault in the 6-foot-1 Thompsons game, but if he had to nick-pick, its that hed like the low-key guard to be more vocal on the floor. That didnt take away that occasional feeling that comes with a lost love, though, or one you feel is slipping away. Youll find exponentially more 4X4 pickup trucks than Mercedes-Benz. Central Cabarrus coach Jim Baker poses for a photo with his four seniors: Gavin Bullock (30) Micah Murray (33) Adriel Miller (14) Elijah Ford (22) and Jaiden Thompson (3). Matt Jackson High School Teacher/ Head Men's Basketball & Cross Country Coach. BRYAN HARSIN:'The first one changes you': Coaches recall their debuts in the Iron Bowl, a game that determines longevity, AUBURN BASKETBALL:I tried to score over college basketball's greatest shot blocker, Walker Kessler | Durando, Montgomery Catholic Prep is another school with consistent talent. And the whole country has been here, pretty much., Gardner, whos entering his second year at Carver, said he and Harsin talked about their common experiences in new jobs. When Ed Rigby coached junior college football in Mississippi, a colleague told him an essential truth about recruiting that has stuck with him through his three decades in the industry: In the years that you have players, you are everybodys best friend. The answer to that is Freeman. Thompson was beside himself. I mean, if you come and play hard, its hard to get on a kid. The more kids that get on campus, you're going to see him put his stamp on the type of kids he wants to recruit.". Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). That was his happy place, his own piece of utopia. Copyright All rights reserved. Football Coaches. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. In the blackness of night, a car rolled up beside me. Ive made a living off of beating a lot of four- and five-star kids with guys like you., Its awesome for a kid to get to hear that, Etheredge said. That defeat still rings in the ears of the team, especially the defense, which isnt accustomed to teams crossing the goal line once, never mind how many times Hoover did. Ty Branyon. Job Summary. He even led the team with 2.7 steals for a squad that went from six wins the year before to 17. "Most of the kids growing up here, most of them aspire to play for Auburn; it's their hometown,"Etheredge said. Like us on Facebook Ths Athletics and Follow us on Instagram THS_ATHLETICS. Also, for the past three seasons, Thompson has been the Vikings leading scorer, with each campaign ending with the SPC titles. Before the early signing period, support staffer Trovon Reed was allowed to do hands-on recruiting because Auburn had a coaching opening; the NCAA restricts the number of assistants who can make home visits, but Harsin fired offensive coordinator Mike Bobo after the regular season. The meeting was adjourned quickly and the head coach was brought in to welcome him into the chamber. But this transfer portal has really hurt a kid like Jaiden because the decision for these college coaches is, Do I take a high school kid, or do I wait and see if I can find somebody in the portal that may have played at a little bit lower level but the kid is averaging seven points and four rebounds and has a year of experience under him? This whole portal thing, I think, has hurt the true high school kid.. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. Harsin, former defensive coordinator Derek Mason and a number of assistants visited Williamson during Woodyard's recruitment, and coach Melvin Pete Jr. was impressed by their professional style. Pete enjoyed a conversation with Harsinin December about how Auburn schemed in the Iron Bowl. The outworkem all came. 74 overall in the 2023 class. Heck, if theres anything more important to him than his biological family, its this group of guys and their coaches. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. Two of those four, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and cornerback Trequon Fegans, are verbally committed to Alabama in the class of 2022. His focus right now is getting past West Charlotte, into the state title game, and then coasting back down the interstate with a championship medal around his neck. He flirted with a college coaching job offer before Thompson entered the picture. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. Freeman would not arrive to greet a packed school board room until approximately 35 minutes later. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. And Woods is a five-star 2023 defensive lineman who has programs all over the country begging for his services, too. information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting To the benefit of high school football in the state, theyve stayed. He's also not letting ALS take away his ability to coach, even if he's had to rely on . The two lowest-paid coaches on this salary scale both led their teams to the playoffs in 2014. Ganus said hes excited to helm the Blue Devils, even though it will be much different than his work with Thompson. Watch this highlight video of the Thomson (GA) football team in its game Recap: Thomson vs. Westside 2022 on Nov 3, 2022. "He asked me if I wanted to get . I think Auburn's going to be OK," Pouncey said. The results are clear on the field but Alabaster City Schools Superintendent, Dr, Wayne Vickers believes Coach Freemans impact is just as prominent off the field. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma? That season,. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. Auburn High School coach Keith Etheredge heard Harsin say it: You may not have all those stars, but Ive seen you play. Jeff Ables. Football. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. I always said why is Thompson never getting over the hill?. Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. But its worked out really great.. Despite its relatively new facilities a new high school opened in 2018 at 360,000 square feet at a cost of $88 million one wouldnt describe Alabaster as fancy. These days, Thompsons love for the game cant be questioned. Some names on that C.C. "prerollTemplate":"https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x480&iu=/132916964,95765933/wvua23.com/football-friday&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&correlator=1677958717&cust_params=category=Football%20Friday%2CHigh%20School%20Sports%2CSports&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvua23.com%2Foutside-the-huddle-thompson-high-school-head-coach-mark-freeman%2F&post=189033" He wants to keep the promise he made to his grandma before the season: no distractions, nothing but his best as he strives for his best. Official Twitter Page of Thompson High School Athletics. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. Quite frankly, thats the way the locals like it. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. During a salary survey this spring of all Metro schools, Alabaster City Schools reported that former coach Mike Montgomery was given an annual salary through all supplements of $72,857.50 for this season. Eads appreciated Harsin asking for ideas and advice about organizing a coaching clinic. His Rebels were also runner-up in 2001 and 2005. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. His seven year record in baseball was 116-70, with two Final 4 appearances. That's how much Friday's board meeting to approve Mark Freeman as the next football coach had already spiked interest in the Alabaster community. He may make a turnover or take a bad shot or something like that, but with him, you dont have to coach effort.. But later, Western Carolina pulled back its offer because of a coaching change. Email Brandon Graves. 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). AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. No, we got a great person, Vickers said. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. The 2023 class is even better, led by two five-stars: Cornerback Tony Mitchell (No. With his wife already a little miffed at him from moving away from Gulf Shores, Freeman didnt have any thoughts of leaving Spanish Fort for another high school job. I think thats just kind of the bridge or the gray area theyre going to have to face here soon: Youre not Bama, and youre not Georgia. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . Id say Im athletic, Alexander said. They do so with a collection of talent on defense that stirs the imagination. I wrestled, I played baseball. If I'm the head coach at any college, thats the first thing I would do: Win the battle in your backyard which is hard to do vs. Alabama, Rigby said. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. Fegans laughs with a. He was named the leagues best player for the second year in a row. Im just trying to go MY way. The most accomplished high school football coach in Southeast Texas is calling it a career. They understand what that does for high school that makes it an exciting day when Coach Harsin or Coach Saban shows up.. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. 5 high school football team via SB Live, was to put its undefeated record on the line against another Birmingham-area program known for. As does Thompson now. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. We had the opportunity to bring him in here, and he was interested in getting into athletics administration working closely with coach Pitts, Hester said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. High school sports greats who died in 2022, 2022 high school football state champions, Georgia football state championship games. In the 2022 class, the state's No. Tommy Thompson was 6-1 (185 cm) tall. Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. Thompsons Jake Ganus hired as Moody football coach, Two individuals sentenced for kidnapping 3-year-old Kamille Cupcake McKinney, resulting in her death, Inmate of City of Birmingham Jail pronounced dead, found by fellow inmate, Finalists for Trussville BOE seat announced, Pinson council presents $60,000 check to schools, Springville softball blow out Pelham, continue dominant season, Obituary: Myra Carroll (August 22, 1937 February 23, 2023), Obituary: Sherry Webster Zorn (August 21, 1948 February 22, 2023), Trussville teen uses platform to build beds for children in need. The Warriors (13-1) captured a third straight 7A championship while making a fourth straight Super 7 appearance. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. One region athletic director told AL.com earlier this year that he feared an "arms race" might be upon us. Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. I cant wait to see him play next year. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . Hes got what the kids call bounce.. Freeman's decision . I can catch the ball, and if I catch it, Ill probably score. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Carver High School in Montgomery. Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. What more were we going to do at Spanish Fort? If were being honest, its going to be hard to get multiple kids against Georgia or Alabama, Johnson said. Success is here.". But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. Career. The list can go on and on because Hoover and Niblett, like their counterparts Freeman and Thompson, take their football seriously. Floyd was approved to receive $120,000 per year in annual compensation. A four-star recruit, hes ranked No. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. Great Moments in Alabama High School Football History. He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009. Coach John Roderique started his head coaching career for Webb City High School in 1997, taking over from Kurt Thompson, who accepted the head coach position at Coffeyville . He said he had only been given a range in the hiring and interview process. I said, Im going to go get it. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. His girls basketball team made the playoffs from 2006-08, and his boys basketball team was state champion in 2008 and made the play-offs seven seasons. 258 Following. Freeman also served one year as an assistant at Minor for the 2008 season. You dont work out anymore.. Tommy Thompson has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Shelby County announces 2023 free landfill days, TMS students celebrate Black History Month, Thompson beats Oak Mountain to improve to 9-2, Thompson girls, boys win area opener against Tuscaloosa County. It gives a kid a lot of fire.. I think that you trust your evaluation, and you don't put too much emphasis on the stars. }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. How do you go from that 6-4 year and what ways can I get our kids over that hump. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. Theyre not practicing the way we want them to practice. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). Located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabaster is known for its industry and the minerals it mines. Alabama has more in its backyard than other traditionally talent-rich SEC states, including Louisiana and Georgia. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. Friday afternoon drive time on I-65 was the cause for that. Everytime you can affect people, its like an injection of energy. She said, What are you going to do about it?. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. You have permission to edit this article. Im going to make you a promise. I made my grandma a promise that I was going to do whatever it takes to get what I needed. The Thompson-Hoover rivalry has become one of the best in the state. TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Re-signed The San Jose Earthquakes have re-signed homegrown defender Tommy Thompson through the 2023 MLS season with an option for 2024, the club announced Tuesday. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. People were telling me, You need to transfer. Niblett has led Hoover to three straight state titles in the AHSAA's largest classification. Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. He will get an extension to his contract of $13,068.60 as a 12-month employee. You couldnt really see it, unless you had Phyllis Anns keen eyes. How many games did Tommy Thompson play? Media. And for that to actually happen? MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. Buildings are filling up. Coach: Todd Thompson. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. He wants to be recruited at the highest level possible, but he doesnt fret about it, either. He has a lot of rich athletic administration experience, Thompson Principal Dr. Wesley Hester said. The Warriors havent won as many as 10 games in a season since 1987. Freeman went 50-7 in four years with the Toros, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2013. Thats huge. He played in the teams first jamboree game, and pretty soon Baker had seen enough. But in the fall, while it was hard for people who only knew Thompson as the top-notch ballplayer and smart, all-around good guy to tell the difference when he was on the court, one visitor to a Central preseason game could easily notice: his grandma, Phyllis Ann Faulkner.

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