Propst took his first coaching position as a student assistant at Ohatchee in 1977, the year they won their only state championship. Life is like football, he told me. When my dad passed away, he was one of the first to call, and we talked for over an hour. He is an emotional leader who is great in the locker room. He now takes over the tradition-rich Toros. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. [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. Michael Seale , Patch Staff Posted Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 9:13 am CT VHHS is part of the Vestavia Hills City School District with approximately 1,800 students and 21 varsity sports. P.O. The 2021 team went 14-0, defeating Pleasant Grove 51-14 in the state championship game in Birmingham. As usual, the high school football offseason has been filled with coaching changes throughout the state maybe more than most years. I love Buddy Anderson. . @1rebelathletics. Since the early 70s, on Wednesday nights his house has been full of athletes who want to learn more about God. Tough people do. 7. Josh Niblett followed with six state titles in 14 years. I know God called you to coach football, and this week he called me to be a coachs wife, she told her husband. [11], On January 30, 2008, Propst was named head coach at Colquitt County High School. He was also the founder of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Vestavia Hills High School. Also, parents dont need to make it all better all the time. vestavia hills football coaching staff; what is the. While the school was distraught, they had to carry on. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory | preps@al.com. If we had to play tomorrow, Mitchell Towns would be under center, the 39-year-old coach said. He was named state coach of the year three times and the Vestavia Hills football field is named in his honor. Propst was relieved of coaching duties following the 2018 season. I dont think whoever they could have hired could fill those shoes. Coach Volleyball, Asst. 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. Claim your team to manage the roster, schedule, scores, stats and more. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com). In four varsity seasons, the Patriots went 42-7 overall, including a 36-2 mark in the last three seasons. Jones insisted that the apology was unwarranted, saying that Ford's story was solid and that the evidence was irrefutable. Fax: 205-402-5354. webmaster@vhcs.us Photo provided to Vestavia City Schools by Robert Evans. His father coached high school ball for 31 years, and it was not difficult to make the decision to follow in his footsteps. All of our coaches are really good men, first, and really good football coaches.. [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. Coach, Head Coach - 7th Men's Basketball, Asst. Thank the good Lord we found a house, Calhoun said. Guess was Pinsons offensive coordinator last season and was wide receivers coach for five years before that. #1REBEL. Hire A Vestavia Hills Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning. He is a Florence native and longtime Decatur offensive coordinator. 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. Claim this team Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. At Alma Bryant he amassed a 122 record. 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. Hes intelligent and can play a lot of different positions.REL. VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (WBRC) - Vestavia Hills High School head football coach Sean Calhoun has resigned after one season with the Rebels. Stadium: Reynolds Stadium, Buddy Anderson Field. 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. Anderson attended Thomasville High School and played football but not for his father who had retired because he said he did not wish to coach his sons. 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. He and his father are also one of only two father-son pairs to be inducted into the Alabama High School Hall of Fame. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. 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. In the total scheme of things, relationships matter most. Calhoun was recommended to the Board of Education by a search committee including Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Todd Freeman, VHHS Principal Tonya Rozell, Athletic Director and VHHS alumnus Jeff Segars, and Assistant Superintendent Patrick Martin.Freeman described Calhoun as a dedicated family man and professional with impeccable character. Rebel with a Cause. Ben Blackmon won another. Anytime Hoover changes coaches, it has to be big news. VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (WBRC) - Vestavia Hills High School head football coach Sean Calhoun has resigned after one season with the Rebels. He is a real man., Coach Andersons impact reaches far and wide throughout the community and across all sorts of professions. Whats one bad thing about high school athletics in 2020? The Valdosta State Blazers won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2007 while Calhoun served as a running backs coach. If you cant do the right thing in the classroom, theres no way in the world I can count on you on the field. In 2015, Colquitt County completed another 15-0 season with a 30-13 victory over the Roswell Hornets to claim their second consecutive Georgia AAAAAA State Championship. Do we have as many as the top teams in our region? 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Robert Evans graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 1999 and was a defensive back on Buddy Anderson's 1998 state championship team. What I expect from this team is to give 100 percent. Claim this team Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. Sean Calhoun lasted just one year before returning to Georgia to coach. youtube.com. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. AGE BIRTH YEARS TEAMS FORMAT COACH; U19: 2004: Steamers 04 Black: 11v11: Robert Starr: U18: 2005: Steamers 05 Black: 11v11: Robert Starr: U17: 2006: . Tough and hard-nosed is true, but we have more athletes than that notion. He takes over a Northridge program that Mike Vickery rebuilt before leaving for Pelham. Region: 7A-R3. When we got here, we were playing him at receiver, splitting time at quarterback. 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. Beyond his players, Coach Anderson has had a strong and positive influence on other coaches through the years. VHSC Academy Staff U8-U11. All rights reserved. Hell try to return the Rebels to glory in a region that includes three-time reigning 7A champ Thompson and perennial powers Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville. [39][40], Propst has been featured in an instructional video entitled Building A Championship Football Program 12 Months A Year, published in 2007. 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. P.O. People have talked about filling his shoes, but I dont look at it that way. He never once put me off or was too busy to help a young coach. [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. Newton had spent four years in that position for Hartselle after leaving Mountain Brook. In fact, he has the most wins of any high school football coach in the entire state of Alabama, and his 342-153 record speaks for itself. Continuing their education through athletics is a priority.. 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. That first trip to FCA camp started a yearly tradition that lasted over 40 years until the camps ended. When my career is done, if I can even be in the same sentence or book as Coach Anderson, I have done a couple of things right. We call Andrew Animal and Lane is Hawk. I dont know if they really know who those Road Warriors are. VHSC Girls Staff U12-U19. Through the years Linda has been a school teacher, a stay-at-home mother, a private tutor and worked for Alabama Public Television as well as in the ministry field. [36] His dismissal followed an investigation that determined he had violated the Code of Ethics for Educators for (1) legal compliance, (2) conduct with students, (3) honesty, and (4) public funds and property, including giving aleve pills to students on more than one occasion and owing nearly $450,000 in delinquent federal and state taxes. Greenville has been an annual threat in 5A but hasnt won a state title since 1994. Sadly, it would be their last. Five players were declared ineligible for the athletic year, along with $5,000 in fines. Coach, Varsity Head Coach - Men's Soccer, Asst. They are both about 6-foot-2, 6-3 and are about 220 pounds. His Rebel teams won 16 area and region championships, and made 31 state playoff appearances. In the spring of 1973, Coach Anderson and his wife, Linda, made their first trip to a National Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) conference. The team held an undefeated record over both seasons and won back-to-back state championships. Nikita Stover was named the new head football coach at Decatur Heritage Christian Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Rebels Helping Rebels is a grace fund used to financially support students in need. People do know were hard-nosed. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Explore the benefits. The first thing I told this team is that I am a Christian. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. If you are at a place this long, you are doing a lot of things the right way. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Explore the benefits. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. [16] In 2011, Colquitt finished 11-3 after losing 35-31 to the eventual state champions, Grayson High School, in the state semifinal game. Director of Athletics - Vestavia Hills City Schools, Administrative Athletic Director, Varsity Head Coach - Softball, Assistant Athletic Director - Liberty Park, Head 7th Grade Football, Asst. Thats what we get from our kids, for sure.. Coach, Varsity Head Coach - Flag Football, Bowling, Women's Golf, Varsity Head Coach - Football Cheerleading, Varsity Head Coach - Basketball Cheerleading, Head Coach - Cross Country, Track and Field, Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach, Linebackers/Director of Football Operations/Special Teams Coordinator, Varsity Head Coach - Wrestling, Asst. For the first time in more than four decades, Vestavia Hills High School has a new head football coach: Sean Calhoun. 1. 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. They are both tough with good motors. I called him a lot and visited him several times picking his brain for football advice. Weve become such an instant society. As a truck traveling down Highway 31 lost its brakes and barreled through an intersection, those three lives were cut short in a tragic event that still shakes the entire community when it . Were settling in, getting our feet stabilized and the kids are starting to meet new friends.. Although he was still young, he was already a strong leader to step in as students and athletes struggled through the crisis though. Rush Propst. I would love to be here as long as he was, thats for sure., To begin building his legacy at Vestavia Hills, Calhoun will shape the program in his image with five new assistants, including a new football operations director, Mickey Reville. David Lundberg will coach the offensive line and serve as running game coordinator. [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. Athletic Trainer David Beland dbeland@hoover.k12.al.us (256) 604-9948. In January of 1972, three Vestavia Hills High School coaches decided to head off campus for a quick lunch. We are thrilled to have Robert and his wife Anne on the Vestavia Hills team, Freeman said today. 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). 32. 2826 Columbiana Road. He started improving and started to progress. His successful experiences have prepared him to lead our football program and build on the legacy established by Coach Anderson and his teams. 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. He won 110 games and four state titles with the Saints and has 210 wins in 26 years as a head coach overall. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Upload it Are you the coach? All that while being a loving coachs wifewhich is a job in itselfand she does it all with a big smile on her face. Calhoun was hired as the new head coach at Colquitt County High School in Georgia. 5. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. It was an honor meeting him. Some "[31][32], In June 2016, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission announced that Propst would be suspended for the entire 2016 season after head-butting one of his players (and bloodying himself) during a December 4, 2015 playoff game. One was the competition. Im competitive and I like to win, but relationships that last a lifetime, and for eternity. 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). [5] During Propst's tenure, Hoover was repeatedly ranked in the nation's top-25 polls, finishing as the #16 team in the nation in 2003,[6] #4 in the nation in 2004,[7] #8 in the nation in 2005,[8] and ranked #1 entering the 2006 season by Sports Illustrated, USA Today[9] and the National Prep Football Poll. 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. What is one great lesson youve learned as a coach? At the conclusion of the 2020 season, his 31-year head coaching record stood at 307-96 (.762 win percentage).[2]. Basketball, Boys' Whats one good thing about high school athletics in 2020? Calhoun was hired as the new head coach at Colquitt County High School in Georgia. 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). Coach, Defensive Line/Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Varsity Head Coach - Swim and Dive & Men's Tennis, Varsity Head Coach - Women's Tennis, Asst. records may be incomplete. The Valdosta football team was also placed on probation for the 2021 football season, therefore preventing them from participating in any playoff games. 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. fv. I could have done things differently, but I don't admit wrongdoing inside the walls of Hoover High School. 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. Propst also faced charges having to do with his personal life, specifically that he engaged in extramarital affairs. information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com). And I know that Buddy Anderson will carry on making a difference in the lives of young people. His team finished the season with an on-field record of 10-2 (6-6 including the four forfeit losses). Propst continued to deny the allegations. Calhoun has had enough time with the team to see some players he expects to be leaders this season, which begins Aug. 20 at home against Mountain Brook. His brother [second-team All-American safety Nolan] is a starter at Clemson and hes, obviously, the second son of Kevin Turner. 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). 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. Absolutely not. 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). One is senior offensive lineman Hoke Smith, he said. St. Paul's head coach Steve Mask instructs tight end Chett Elder in the first half of a prep football game against Faith Academy on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, in Mobile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com). VESTAVIA, Ala. (WBRC) - Vestavia Hills High School has announced that a former rebel will return as the school's new head football coach. Hes definitely a college football player. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Calhoun ran Colquitts offense in 2014 and 2015, during which the Packers were 30-0 and won two state titles under coach Rush Propst. He won five state titles in nine years. Pointer completed his investigation in late September, and after considerable debate over several sessions (and public pressure from numerous public figures, including Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos), the Hoover Board of Education voted 4-1 to release the report through several sources, including the board's website. He takes over a proud Benjamin Russell program that hasnt won a playoff game since reaching the 6A semifinals in 2015 under coach Danny Horn. Calhoun went 4 and 6 this past season at Vestavia. I told them I cant be the guy who wants to win more than they do. Hes a long, tall athlete. (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). He can move, too. Everyone knows hes an unbelievable coach, 1982 VHHS graduate Mitch Allen, will tell you. Under his tenure as athletic director of the Vestavia Hills High School athletic program the sports teams have won over 45 state championships, and numerous runner-up trophies in all boys and girls sports. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com). "Coach Anderson had an amazing career and is an amazing man, and I look forward to meeting with him and learning from him so we can continue to grow this program.". [26] Among the findings were that Propst's bank records indicated support for a "second family" in Pell City, Alabama, but the incidents regarding grade-changing were largely caused by an assistant principal and an administrator. Claim your team to manage the roster, schedule, scores, stats and more. Coach Anderson had been taken on as a student teacher in December of 1971, and this was most certainly not the way he wanted to receive a promotion. Vestavia Hills Football. Stover replaces Steve Meek, who retired after 11 seasons leading the Eagles. The Indians have won three state titles since 2017 so expectations will be high. John Ross Ashley is a senior free safety, Calhoun said. Its exciting and a little nerve-wracking taking over a program that has been in such great hands for 43 years. Vestavia Hills Magazineis publishedquarterly by Still, the Tigers usually have talent and now have a coach with a state title on his resume. By WBRC Staff. Browning expressed concerns over reports that grades for certain athletes had been altered to make them eligible for college play, and made those concerns known to Hoover City Schools Superintendent Andy Craig in a meeting in April. 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. Coach Anderson was inducted into the 2003 Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. Football Staff Vestavia Hills Football Staff Players (99) Staff (2) Robert Evans Head Coach Are you the coach? [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. Enter Waldrop a consistent winner at Chelsea, James Clemens and Florence still looking for his first championship as a head coach. Any games that the five players played in were forfeited. [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. "The foundation that has already been laid in Vestavia Hills is great, and I look forward to building upon that foundation and impacting lives through the football program," Calhoun said. "His values and commitment to excellence are aligned with those of our school system and community. You cant always get that in practice., RELATED: American Christians Chris Smelley steps down. 1Rebel Athletics. Calhoun played as a defensive back and quarterback for Valdosta State University from 2000 to 2004 and later joined the teams coaching staff. VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. The Vestavia Hills Board of Education on Wednesday approved the hiring of Sean Calhoun as the new head football coach at Vestavia Hills High School. Pinson Valley coach Lee Guess directs his team during 7-on-7 football action at Samford University in Homewood, Ala., Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The Wildcats havent advanced past the second round since 1993. If you have a disability or face any barriers accessing website content, please contact (205) 402-5100 or email webmaster@vestavia.k12.al.us. For the first time in more than four decades, Vestavia Hills High School has a new head football coach: Sean Calhoun. In February, 1978, assistant Buddy Anderson became Head Coach Buddy Anderson. RELATED: Who is the states best active coach? He graduated from Jacksonville State in 1981 with a degree in Physical Education. Vestavia Hills High School has hired a new football coach to replace legend Buddy Anderson. Shared Starter: $6.99 a month (1 website) Shared Unlimited: $12.99 a month (unlimited websites) As a full time Support Teacher at Primrose School at Liberty Park located in Vestavia Hills AL at 1800 Urban Center Parkway 35242, you. New coach Sean Calhoun said Smith would be the Rebels' best offensive lineman in 2021. Here is a look at 15 offseason impact hires as fall practice begins this week and next across the state of Alabama. 2017 Season Highlights. We went to UABs 7-on-7 tournament, Calhoun said. Congratulations to Robert Evans, who has been named the new Vestavia Hills High School head football coach. Published: Jan. 5, 2022 at 7:44 AM PST. Every team has two things: good coaches and good players. He is definitely in a league of his own. All rights reserved. The DVD outlines the steps to build a successful gridiron program, including the preparation and responsibilities of a coaching staff including the importance of building a booster club.[41]. Vestavia Hills Magazineis publishedquarterly by Hes athletic, big and strong. Box 947 We just have to follow him and make our own footprints and build on his legacy. 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. Calhoun, 39, has served as the head football coach at Carrollton High in Georgia since 2016. His Rebel teams won 16 area and region championships, and made 31 state playoff appearances. 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. 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. This team has a great nucleus and a great senior class. We as coaches have to find a way to put our guys in the right spot so they can succeed as individuals and we can succeed on offense, defense and special teams. I told him as long as he is comfortable with it I definitely need to use him as a resource. Colors: Red, White & Blue. [28][29] Despite the forfeits, the Bucs finished the regular season with a 4-5 record and qualified for the AHSAA 6A playoffs. I am excited to be a part of this rich football state. The following week, Tribble Publications in Warm Springs, Ga, the parent company who owns The Western Star, printed an apology for allowing Ford to print these allegations in their paper, though it did not specifically retract the charges. 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. Robert Evans is the new Vestavia Hills football coach. Watch the 2022 AHSAA Football Playoffs Vestavia Hills High School vs. Thompson High School - 11/12/2022 live and on demand online on the NFHS Network . "Coach Calhoun has dedicated his career to investing in the lives of young men through the sport of football," Freeman said. They havent won a playoff game since playing for the 7A state title in 2015. He played with a broken forearm last year. Coach, Sports Information - Pizitz Middle School, Asst. But youve got to care about the kids. It was something the kids needed to be exposed to for various reasons, he said. Grider has had success as a program builder. Competition is not something I shy away from and that this team wont shy away from. Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. You hear about Texas and Florida and Georgia and California talked about, but Alabama will go toe-to-toe with every team in every one of those states. Every coach since Vincents 2010 title has won at least one. Spain Park coach Tim Vakakes directs his team during 7-on-7 football action at Samford University in Homewood, Ala., Tuesday, June 28, 2022. 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. In just his second year of coaching at Colquitt County, Propst took a team that had finished 2-8 in 2007 to an 11-3 season and the state semifinals in 2009. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. [33] He appealed [34] and was instead given a reprimand. I dont know what that plan is either, but I know it is a great one. Calhoun, 39, most recently served as the head football coach at Carrollton (Georgia) High School, where he compiled a 51-12 record over five seasons including three region championships and five quarterfinal playoff appearances.