Click Here for Story
Year: 2019
The AHSAA is saddened to learn of the passing of Wenonah High School girls’ basketball coach Emanuel “Tubb” Bell IV. He died Thursday afternoon, Jan. 31, after a long battle with cancer.
“Our AHSAA family of member schools has lost a special person in Coach Emanuel Bell,” said AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese. “His love for teaching and coaching was only surpassed for his love of his players. He had an impact on all who knew him. We are all very fortunate that he chose to teach and coach at Wenonah High School.”
Coach Bell’s team beat Parker 70-15 Wednesday night to improve to 19-8 with one regular-season game remaining. He compiled a 529-194 overall record in 25 years as the Lady Dragons’ head coach. One of the nation’s biggest ambassadors of girls’ high school educational-based basketball, his teams won five state championships: including his first in 2004 and four in a row from 2014-2017. His team lost in the semifinals last year. Bell received numerous coach-of-the-year honors and was also the recipient of the Frank House Award presented to him by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
“His legacy will live on in the hearts and soul of those he helped mold into outstanding adults. Our hearts and prayers go out to Coach Bell’s family, his team, his school and all who loved him,” Savarese added. “He fought a valiant fight and now I can only imagine that he is organizing a team and coaching in heaven tonight. Yes, I am sure with his contagious smile that he is working the crowd and hugging everyone in sight. Heaven has a new angel and we have lasting memories of Coach Bell.
“His life of service is one we should all emulate. He will be missed by us all.”
Funeral arrangements were not available at this time.
Click Here for Story
The Alabama High School Athletic Association was saddened to learn of the recent death of long-time AHSAA football official Willie Crabtree, 69, of Mobile. He passed away Wednesday morning, January 30, after suffering a heart attack and undergoing triple by-pass surgery.
“Our prayers and concern go out to Willie Crabtree’s family and to his family of officials in the Metro Mobile Football Officials Association,” said AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese. “I have known and respected Willie Crabtree for a long time. “Everyone who knew him considered him one of the AHSAA’s top football officials. He was dedicated to football officiating and served as a mentor to others on and off the field.”
Mr. Crabtree, named the Southwest District Official of the Year in 2008, served as an AHSAA football official for 26 years. He worked several state championship games during his career including serving as a back judge in the Class 2A Super 7 State Championship Game at Auburn last December. He also worked in the Class 3A finals in 2007, in the Class 4A championship in 2009, the Class 3A title game in 2011 and the 1A championship in 2013. He also served as an instructor at State Camps and served as the Field Judge in the 2015 AHSAA North-South All-Star Game.
Mr. Crabtree was elected to serve as president of the Metro Mobile Football Officials Association this coming year.
Funeral arrangements have not been determined at this time.
Click Here for Story
Click Here for Story
HARTSELLE, Ala. – Seven Hartselle High School student-athletes received Awards of Excellence from the Alabama High School Athletic Association on Tuesday at the school for their exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. The awards were presented by Alabama state Sen. Arthur Orr, who represents Hartselle as part of District 3.
Recognized for their commitment to their school and community were Hilton Anderson, Caleb Dingbaum, Luke Godsey, Heather Grimes, Andy Lamb, Will Stephenson and Kylie Winton.
Sen. Orr praised the student-athletes for their dedication to their teams while continuing to work hard in the classroom. He challenged them to take the lessons they learned as Hartselle Tigers with them as they moved into adulthood.
The Awards of Excellence are presented as a program of the AHSAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Tuesday with Awards of Excellence from the Alabama High School Athletic Association,
presented by state Sen. Arthur Orr. Shown are, from left, Sen. Orr, Caleb Dingbaum, Luke
Godsey, Heather Grimes, Andy Lamb, Kylie Winton, Will Stephenson, Hilton Anderson and
AHSAA representative Mike Perrin. (AHSAA photo)
Click Here for Story
Click Here for Story
Click Here for Story
The AHSAA is saddened to learn of the death of Ken Headley, Westminster of Oak Mountain girls’ soccer coach. Headley passed away early Tuesday morning, Jan. 8, after a valiant fight with cancer.
“Our prayers and condolences go out to the Mr. Headley’s wife Lynn and family, members of the Westminster girls’ soccer program and to the entire Westminster-Oak Mountain family,” said AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese.
Mr. Headley, former soccer coach at Judson College, joined Westminster School in September of 2017. He led the team to a 24-2-1 record in 2018. His girls reached the second round of the Class 1A/3A state playoffs before falling to eventual state champion Montgomery Academy.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 12 at 3:45 p.m., at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
