Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. Youre going to be writing about him.. It kind of started in seventh grade, Thompson said. The Alabaster City Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in any of its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. I believe all the state schools beside (Alabama) and Tuskegee University can do a better job with in-state recruiting. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) - Erik Thompson was born to be a football coach. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. Katy ISD. In Freemans first two seasons, Thompson finished with a 5-5 record. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. Now, hell join ACS and Thompson High School in an athletic administrative role alongside athletic director Vincent Pitts and others in the department, while also continuing his role as a special education teacher. He takes over for Kyle Sprenkle, who resigned in January after seven seasons to help his. From there, he was recruited to the University of Georgia. KANNAPOLIS After walking into town 12 years ago and leaving his footprint at one of the most highly regarded programs in Cabarrus County, Mi, CONCORD They draw fans to the storied gym in droves, as if the Charlotte Hornets the original Kelly Tripucka-in-the-Charlotte-Coliseum Hor. That potential was something he took with him to Calera as a baseball coach, athletic director and football coach. Matt Jackson High School Teacher/ Head Men's Basketball & Cross Country Coach. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. That now makes him the highest-paid coach in Alabama high school football. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. The speculation, the expectations from others took its toll, even on the normally unflappable Thompson, who admits he had a tendency to internalize his emotions. 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. I've got utmost confidence in everybody here and the people that we are going to have here. Theyre not showing up for meetings on time. And (Auburns coaches) really dont have any tolerance for that in the program. In the spring of 1978, Dodge's freshman year at Jefferson, the school hired a new coach, former Yellow Jacket Ronnie Thompson, to restore some pride in the football team. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. 5 high school football team via SB Live, was to put its undefeated record on the line against another Birmingham-area program known for. Email Rylan Gerber. Thompson figured his freshman season was a success, but he knew he could be better. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. The towns high school, Thompson, isnt like many modern schools with similar high-profile football programs, like IMG Academy, Mater Dei or any number of private schools that annually compete for championships and pump out Division I prospects. "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" There are now five coaches in Class 7A, Region 3 that pay their head football coach a combined salary of more than $100,000 per season. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Sep 17 2015. Hes ranked No. High school sports greats who died in 2022, 2022 high school football state champions, Georgia football state championship games. 2022 Thompson Football Schedule; Football Information; Thompson Middle School 705 West Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 . When I was principal at Montevallo, I appointed him as athletic director there because of his potential.. 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. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. After graduation, he coached at various high schools. He played in the teams first jamboree game, and pretty soon Baker had seen enough. Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. Shade, a former Alabama player, enjoyed his conversations with Harsin and thought Harsin was a good Auburn ambassador. Tournament Game. Everytime you can affect people, its like an injection of energy. This family, after all, has a close bond. 0. Instructionally, what we do, its a huge win and a home run for us to bring someone in that is as quality and professional Trey is.. And you sort of follow it, the top 70, 80, 90 kids end up going D-II and whatnot. Search. But he acknowledges that the dynamics have changed since he was leading the Indians courting prospects. "I know I am saying blessed a lot, but what a day. And it was Bethel who introduced him to the Vertimax, a machine designed to improve jumping ability. His Rebels were also runner-up in 2001 and 2005. The funds generated by those summer camps can typically add another $10,000-$30,000 to a coach's bottom line income in some cases. Coach: Todd Thompson. The 2023 class is even better, led by two five-stars: Cornerback Tony Mitchell (No. Jaidens a very talented player, Baker said. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A. He has an offer right now, but he doesnt have that ONE. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. He also coached softball, powerlifting, girls and boys basketball. It took Freeman a couple of years to get it going. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. 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. In 2009, Freeman accepted the head coaching position at Gulf Shores High School. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Suddenly, the window rolled down and a man called out, Horton! 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. Theyre not practicing the way we want them to practice. Area school systems were able to provide requested financial data for each head football coach. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. University of Northern Colorado . Plus, Thompson had obviously inherited at least part of his talent from his father, Andricko Thompson, who was a good basketball player in his native Shelby. For us to win a state championship at Central Cabarrus, that would mean everything to me and the guys, Thompson added. "global": { What would make you consider a digital subscription to Shelby County Reporter? Its miracle win to bring another state. Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. Congratulations to Jontavis Curry, Noah Story, Marcellus Brigham and Jordan Jones for being selected the Thomson players of the game. electronic communication and community service. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. It also means neither of those quality coaches have yet to win a playoff game in the state's largest classification yet. 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. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Jesuit head coach Matt Thompson was honored Thursday (Sept. 17) at One Buc Place as the Bucs' "Coach of the Week." Thompson earned the honor following Jesuit . How well Harsin capitalizes on it can decide his future with the Tigers. Knowledge of sport. Thompson was beside himself. And weve never seen Coach Harsin on campus.. The Warriors are the pride of the community, and why wouldnt they be? Freeman would not arrive to greet a packed school board room until approximately 35 minutes later. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. 3,620 Followers. 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. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. While at Bessemer Academy, Coach Freeman also served as the head baseball coach. He had a two-year stint at Gulf Shores before Spanish Fort lured him away. When Etheridge visited in January, it was the first and only time we have communicated with Auburn. Vigor has two rising talents: junior defensive end Michael Towner and freshman offensive lineman Micha Debose. Our offense will be spread, tempo. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. Across the street, Swim teacher's life saved by couple's good timing, Woman dies in Friday night Tuscaloosa County crash, Golf cart-based taxi service Bama Ride in hot water with city. It was a chance, but we knew it would be risky because we were in a great job in a great place. But when the opportunity opened at Thompson for an athletic administrator and a special education teacher, Hester and Simpson both knew it was the right fit. I know that theres a freshman that plays quarterback, and at the end of the day when I was a quarterback at Chelsea, I was not a quarterback I was just one of the best athletes on the team who could throw the ball OK. Thats something well look at as well. Thats what I actually LOVE about this team. Jeff Ables. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. 40 area players named: Full ASWA all-state teams list To end another memorable season of high school football in the area, 40 players in East Alabama were recognized when Alabama Sports. "Rogers (High) AD Ricky Hole was close friends with my dad," MacDonald said. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. She was just sad and disappointed to watch me like that. Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. Taylor High School. Hoover City Schools pays its football coaches the same $47,741 stipend. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. He was THAT good. Try a week on us. Volunteer Help the coach manage this team. He was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. Copyright All rights reserved. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. 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. Coaches liked that Harsin didn't hold back in that regard. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. Alabaster, AL thompsonwarriors.org Joined February 2016. Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. Where I went to high school was very similar in terms of enrollment, in terms of size and size of the community and facilities. Harsin has a golden opportunity to rebound: The upcoming 2023 talent pool in Alabama is the states deepest and most top-heavy of this century. He said he had only been given a range in the hiring and interview process. But as his senior season dawned, it just wasnt there anymore, that passion. Freeman will be well-compensated for his efforts. I thought he and coach Pitts would form a really good team and relationship to help us grow Thompson athletics, Hester said. Website. 5 in the state and No. Thats really what made me as a football player, and getting back to my roots like that was really enticing to me facilities are great, but I think people make the place, and I think the people here make this a special place.. The 27 . No, we got a great person, Vickers said. Website. Thompson had a solid freshman season, putting up 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Weve got some guys here that have got to get on board. But by the fall of his senior season, there he was in that preseason game, with his grandma staring from the bleachers, disappointed but mostly concerned. He began at Thompson in the fall of 2015. Youll find exponentially more 4X4 pickup trucks than Mercedes-Benz. As for his immediate plans at Moody, Ganus said that he was looking to build on the recent success the team has found. Tell us who the coach is Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. Top Coach. Jaiden Thompson looks to make a pass during his freshman season. Head coach Lee Gibson makes a little less than half of what Floyd and Freeman do even when all of his teacher salary and supplement stipends are added up. But these next two weekends have special meaning. 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. Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. Career. All rights reserved (About Us). When the recruiting contact period started last fall, Harsin was the first college coach to bring his full recruiting staff to the school. Thompson coach Mark Freeman sent Hardy, who had missed an extra point in the first quarter, back on the field for a game-winning 35-yard goal try with four seconds remaining. You trust your evaluation of kids. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. To borrow some real estate phrasing its seems that the ultimate in "curb appeal" for a high school and its community is to have a high-profile head football coach that commands a top salary. After that, everything just clicked. The Freeman and Floyd hirings have signaled a new era in Alabama high school football. Im trying to set them up for interceptions and PBUs.. Then theres Mitchell, a five-star 2023 recruit whos No. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. Is Tommy Thompson in the Hall of Fame? It seemed it would be a Herculean task. 1 and No. 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 . WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television, Paul Bryant's McKanstry signs with Independence CC football, Gordo High School celebrates 2023 signing class, Former Hillcrest standout Brandon Bishop announces transfer to Liberty, Paul Bryant football introduces new head coach, Tuesday afternoon crash victim identified, Soldier, poet, or king? He wants to be recruited at the highest level possible, but he doesnt fret about it, either. Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma? Baker said a player of Thompsons level likely wouldve already been scooped up in the past. The first-year coach Roderick Thompson of Anderson High School has had quite a journey to be a first-year head coach in high school. Thompson graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. The list can go on and on because Hoover and Niblett, like their counterparts Freeman and Thompson, take their football seriously. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. It's the second time during the three-peat that Thompson has defeated the Red Devils (13-1) in the championship game. Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle.