Alabama

Hartselle hires South Alabama assistant as baseball coach

Published

2 years ago

June 4, 2024

Hartselle hires South Alabama assistant as baseball coach

The Hartselle City Schools Board of Education approved the hiring of University of South Alabama pitching coach Brad Phillips as the new head baseball coach at a special meeting Tuesday night.

Phillips takes the job to replace the late William Booth, who died on May 15 – the day before his team started the Class 6A state championship finals series. The Tigers finished runner-up to Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa for the title, falling 2-1 in the three-game series.

Hartselle athletic director and assistant baseball coach Jake Miles led the team, along with assistants John Hall, Keith Wright and Jacob Cole, in Booth’s absence this season. Booth, who compiled a 1,217-520 record in 36 years and led the team to nine state championships, was able to attend only two games as Hartselle finished the regular season ranked No. 1 and compiled a 33-11 record.

“We are excited to announce coach Phillips as the next head baseball coach at Hartselle High School, and we are excited about the future of our baseball program under his leadership,” Miles said in a news release. “It became pretty evident as our search began that the best fit for our future and school was coach Phillips.

“Coach William Booth built this program here at Hartselle and his legacy will live on for many years to come. Coach Booth instilled a tradition of hard work along with high expectations for our players, both on the field and in the classroom, and we feel coach Phillips can continue moving us in that same direction.

“The thing that makes Brad the perfect fit for us is not that he simply understands baseball, but after talking with him and others about him as a person, he understands the tradition of Hartselle baseball and the importance of growing our kids and our culture in the right way.”

Hartselle principal Brad Cooper echoed Miles on the importance of carrying on Hartselle’s strong tradition.

“I am excited about the future of Hartselle baseball under the direction of Brad Phillips,” he said in the release. “Coach Phillips is a great leader of men, and will continue to build on the unmatched tradition of our baseball program here in Hartselle. The standard for Hartselle baseball was certainly set high by coach Booth. I believe that coach Phillips understands that standard and will work tirelessly to ensure young men leave our baseball program as not only great baseball players, but also as great young men.”

Phillips is a native of Hazel Green who played college baseball at Gadsden State Community College and the University of Montevallo. He earned his degree in 2004 at Troy University, where he served as a volunteer assistant coach in 2003-04.

He coached Charles Henderson High School to the state playoffs four straight seasons, including a Class 5A state championship appearance in 2008. Phillips then coached at Niceville (Fla.) High, where he led the Eagles to two straight playoff appearances.

Phillips has coached at USA for six years and was also pitching coach at Troy University for nine seasons.

In 2019 at South Alabama, Phillips coached the Jaguars’ staff to a Sun Belt-best in fewest earned runs allowed (264) and USA was second in the league in saves (17), fewest runs allowed (304), fewest hits allowed (485).

Phillips joined the Troy University staff in 2010 and his 2013 Trojans pitchers ranked fifth nationally in strikeouts per nine innings with 8.6 and posted a staff earned run average of 3.82 – second-best in the Sun Belt. In 2016, Troy was third in the conference with a 3.79 ERA, earning him the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year award.

In 2018, Troy led the Sun Belt in ERA (3.90), runs allowed (280), earned runs allowed (241) and innings pitched. The Trojans were second in the league in strikeouts (524), saves (15), opposing batting average (.248) and wins (42).

Hartselle’s 2024 roster featured 10 seniors, three juniors, six sophomores and three freshmen. The Tigers started seven seniors in the final game of the state championship series.

Phillips is married to the former Peyton Marsh of Madison. The couple has one daughter, Piper Belle, and one son, Scout.

Source link

Click to comment

Alabama

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey receives Boy Scouts’ Circle of Honor

Published

4 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey receives Boy Scouts’ Circle of Honor

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was honored for her lifelong dedication to youth and community service during the 12th annual Black Warrior Council Boy Scouts of America Circle of Honor awards luncheon.

The ceremony, which was held Feb. 27 at the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Tuscaloosa, serves as a fundraiser for the council’s scouting program.

The Circle of Honor award is presented to people in west central Alabama whose livelihood and actions reflect the same values of the Black Warrior Boy Scouts. Recipients have also shown advocacy for youth and leadership in the community.

Past recipients of the award include Terry Saban, Nick Saban, former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, scientist and philanthropist Thomas Joiner, pharmacist and retailer James I. Harrison Jr., civic leader Mary Ann Phelps and more.

Cathy Randall, a Tuscaloosa businesswoman, educator and philanthropist, presented Ivey with the award. Randall was inducted into the Circle of Honor in 2025 along with her late husband, Pettus.

Ivey said she was grateful to receive the honor by the Black Warrior Council and highlighted the importance of public service.

“I’m proud to have dedicated my life to public service, there’s no more noble calling than to uplift and empower lives,” said Ivey during the Feb. 27 ceremony.

Ivey thanked the scouting organizations, including the Black Warrior Council for its contributions to educational opportunities, economic development, and public safety.

“In particular, I’m proud of the work done by our Scouting organizations like the Black Warrior Council, who lay a foundation for successful future in both our young people and our state, thank you for all you do to build a stronger Alabama by changing lives and preparing our future leaders,” said Ivey, a native of Camden in Wilcox County.

Ivey is wrapping up her second term as governor after a long career spent primarily in government.

After graduating from Auburn University in 1967, Ivey worked as a high school teacher and a bank officer. She served as reading clerk for the Alabama House of Representatives under then-Speaker Joseph C. McCorquodale and she served as assistant director at the Alabama Development Office.

In 2002, Ivey was elected to the first of two terms as Alabama’s treasurer and in 2010, she was elected to the first of two terms as lieutenant governor. On April 10, 2017, Ivey was sworn in as Alabama’s 54th governor after the resignation of Robert Bentley. She filled out the rest of Bentley’s term before winning the gubernatorial election in 2018 and she was re-elected in 2022.

She will leave office at the end of this year.

She is the first Republican woman to serve as Alabama’s governor but she’s the second woman to hold the state’s top executive office. Tuscaloosa County native Lurleen B. Wallace, a Democrat, became Alabama’s first female governor in 1966.

Circle of Honor luncheon raises nearly $200,000

Also during the ceremony, retired DCH Health System administrator Sammy Watson, who served as the event’s emcee, announced that the council had raised $197,000 through the luncheon that day.

Proceeds from the lunch will be used to expand Boy Scouts programs, making them available to over 3,000 young people in west central Alabama.

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s leading outdoor education and character development program. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@usatodayco.com. To support her work, please subscribe to The Tuscaloosa News.

Source link

Alabama

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

Published

17 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.

Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.

Now, he says, it was simply time.

“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”

Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.

“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”

Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.

During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.

He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.

“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”

Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.

Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.

He says this new chapter is about balance.

After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.

Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!

Source link

Alabama

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

Source link