February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 1 Executive Director Steve Savarese

Volume 9, Number 1 AHSAA Update February 2016

300 ! Gadsden City sophomore Jonathan Kilgo rolled the first perfect 300 game in AHSAA bowling history at the inaugural State Bowling Championships. Read more on Pages 26-27

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Steve Savarese Commentary Pages 2-3 Corporate Spotlight — Wilson Page 4 Tony Stallworth Commentary Page 6 Dr. Jimmy Robinson Commentary Page 9 AHSAA Connection Pages 11-13 New Football Classification Pages 14-20 Wanda Gilliland Softball Commentary Pages 22-23 AHSAA Leadership Council Page 27

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 2 AHSAA Re-Classification Was the Result Of Dedicated Efforts of Many Contributors

from the public and our eclassification is R member schools was made now set for the 2016-17 even more evident by the and 2017-18 school years more than 2.8 million hits for AHSAA member the AHSAA website schools. It is one of the registered on the day the most challenging and new classification was important tasks the announced. AHSAA must undertake. I am constantly amazed. Thank goodness it only The AHSAA staff happens every two years. worked around the clock to I want to thank the have the classification work AHSAA staff for its completed for all sports. dedication and many The Central Board came in hours of hard work. Steve Savarese a day early and had a work Upon analyzing the Executive Director session the night before the classification, the Alabama Central Board meeting to High School Athletic five-team areas in other study the options. With Association Central Board sports to a minimum. their expert help, we were of Control unanimously In the end, only two nine able to make some tweaks approved at its January -team regions resulted for that helped make the final meeting. It is perhaps the the second consecutive re-classification that was most equal distribution of classification period, and approved even better. I schools in AHSAA history. five-team areas were all but can’t thank the members of For starters, the seven- eliminated in most classes the Central Board enough. classification system and are fewer than ever In addition, we owe introduced to our schools before. special thanks to Cody in 2014-15 has been Next, we wanted to Kilpatrick, who developed received well by member present to the Central the software program that schools and has allowed the Board a plan for all sports, has allowed us to fairly and AHSAA to send more not just football and consistently classify the schools to post-season play basketball, so member schools. He not only gave and crown more boys’ and schools could make up his time, but traveled girls’ state championships necessary plans concerning from Indiana to the than at any time in the scheduling, etc. AHSAA office to assist us association’s history. Being All the while, our biggest on several occasions. saddled with finding ways challenge was to keep fair And finally, I want to to improve that system was play at the forefront. thank our member schools, a major challenge indeed. Classification is one of our coaches and A chief goal was to balance those subjects that is administrators. the divisions as closely as discussed basically year- possible while striving to round – even in years Continued on Page 3 keep the number of nine- when schools are not being team football regions and re-classified. The interest

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 3 Savarese Commentary Continued from Page 2 Chandler and Emmalee and I've been in it before. I Their input was important Molay, for interviewing the think it's grown. It's just an during the process, and participants last December unbelievable experience not only their patience meant so and sharing some of their for the kids, but for the coaches. much to us and helped responses with their People don't understand how transition our classification readers and us. much work goes into this from schools from one period For many, it was a once-in these kids and coaches, all the to another in a very -a-lifetime opportunity to hours spent, and they have a smooth and positive run out of the tunnel at chance to go to a facility like manner. Bryant-Denny Stadium, this, and to bring your kids There is never a perfect and for others it was a with you is what you dream fit for all schools. As some chance for every program about as a coach." — Spain schools close, some to walk away with some Park head coach Shawn schools open, some unforgettable memories. Raney schools add students and Here are the top quotes "It's a great feeling to be in this some schools lose from players and coaches venue. I grew up an Alabama students, the classes and from December’s Super 7. fan, and some are Auburn fans, the regions and areas do "It's just an awesome but it's just one of the biggest face some change. We experience. As a kid in this stadiums in the country, and strive to keep that change state you grow up an Alabama one of the top teams in the to a minimum. I thank our fan or an Auburn fan, and had country. It's just a great feeling schools for understanding this been the year it was in and honor to come play here." that re-classification by Auburn, it would have been — Mortimer Jordan definition means “change” just as cool. These kids get the senior Duncan Hodges and I thank them opportunity to play in these two "The experience was amazing. welcoming that change as a stadiums. I want to thank the The last time we came down two necessary part of our lives. (Alabama) High School years ago we took a big loss, but We now look forward to Athletic Association and the this year it's great to be here in wrapping up the 2015-16 cities of Tuscaloosa and Bama to get the win. I enjoyed school year and this Auburn for making that the whole role, being in the hotel current classification happen. It's a wonderful with my brothers. I enjoyed it period by providing experience." — Piedmont all the way." — Maplesville outstanding championship head coach Steve Smith senior Corey Hall play and many positive life- "Just getting the chance to "It felt good. My brothers fought changing memories for our play in Bryant-Denny has been hard and we did good. It's been schools, coaches and a dream of mine my entire life. awesome." — Lee County student-athletes. Growing up as a little kid, Unified Sports athlete As we look back at the watching Alabama play on Steven Clark recent Super 7 state Saturdays, it meant the world to football championships come out for this to be my last played at Bryant-Denny high school game. Regardless of Stadium, the student- what the scoreboard said, it was athletes and coaches sum still a very memorable moment up the experiences best. for us."— Fayette County We thank the senior Drew Guy Tuscaloosa News, "It's awesome. It's like the Taj especially writers Joey Mahal. I was even wide-eyed

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 4 AHSAA Corporate Partners

Wilson is proud to be an AHSAA Corporate Partner and continues to be one of the world's leading manufacturers of high performance sports equipment, apparel and accessories. For more than 100 years, Wilson has studied the powerful and symbiotic relationship an athlete has with his/her equipment.

With that relationship in mind, the company invents, designs and en- gineers game-changing products using state-of-the-art sports technolo- gies and expertise, and the insights and ambassadorship of its 10,000 member strong Wilson Advisory Staff. This staff is comprised of top youth, college, amateur, and professional athletes, teams, coaches, pro- grams and leagues from around the world.

Wilson’s unwavering commitment to innovation pushes its sports into new territories, including digitally connected, socially sharable, and highly customizable products. This dedication and focus is woven throughout the Wilson global culture, which thrives on collaboration, experimentation, passion, teamwork, persistence, ingenuity and positivi- ty. Today, millions of tennis, baseball, softball, football, basketball, soc- cer, volleyball and golf athletes choose to use Wilson products as they prepare for and compete in matches, games, tournaments and champi- onships. Wilson is headquartered in Chicago, IL, with offices and staff in more than 100 countries and is a proud corporate partner of the AH- SAA and its member schools. Wilson balls are the official ball of the AHSAA, and Wilson’s Ball Grant program has helped many schools be able to offer the sport of volleyball to its students.

We thank you Wilson!!!

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 5

IMPORTANT DATES Feb. 3 – Basketball area tournament bracket due on line, 10 a.m. Feb. 5-6 – State Indoor Track Championships (CrossPlex, Birmingham) Feb. 6-12 – Girls’ area basketball tournaments (at site of area champions) Feb. 6-13 – Boys’ area basketball tournaments (at site of area champions) Feb. 12-13 – Wrestling Super Sectional meets (Birmingham, Montgomery) Feb. 15 – Class 1A-6A Girls’ sub-regional basketball round (site of area tourney champion) Feb. 16 – Class 1A-6A Boys’ sub-regional basketball round (site of area tourney champion) Feb. 17-25 – Region basketball tournaments at four sites (South, Central, NE, NW) Feb. 18-20 – Wrestling State meet (Von Braun Center, Huntsville) Feb. 27 – State Basketball Championship coaches’ organizational meeting, B’ham, noon Feb. 29-March 5 – State Basketball Championships, Birmingham BJCC

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 6 NFHSLearn Offers Resources For Coaches

The AHSAA continues to hazing. All coaches need to offer opportunities for be aware of this very relevant member-school coaches and issue. administrators in areas of NFHSLearn has been on professional development and pace to surpass the million growth and development. The mark for courses in a calendar National Federation of State year for the first time in its High School Associations nine-year history. At the (NFHS) provides numerous current pace, NFHSLearn programs through its NFHS hit the 1,000,000 goal last Learning Center December. (www.nfhslearn.com). The NFHS Education Hazing Prevention Committee recommends that Tony Stallworth HazingPrevention.Org and the all interscholastic coaches Associate Executive Director NFHS announce the opening continue to enhance their of the 2016 Poster Design growth for professionalism school year. Coaches are also Contest and 2016 Essay and safety among themselves encouraged to pursue NFHS Contest in support of and student-athletes. Some of Certified Coach (NIC) and National Hazing Prevention the NFHS Learning Center AIC certification. Week in September. Each offerings include online The NFHS also features a year the organization awards courses dealing directly with “course of the month”. prizes for an essay written by professional development and Coaching Basketball is a high school students. It is many are sports specific and timely course that could showcased during National designed especially for prove to be a valuable tool Hazing Prevention Week in interscholastic coaches. The for coaches involved in that September. Contests are now AHSAA encourages all sport. Coaches can learn the open to all U.S. residents who coaches to protect themselves basic skills of coaching meet the guidelines listed on concerning issues relating to offense, defense and team the website and who submit student safety and the legal skills of basketball with this their entries on or before aspects that are prevailing online course. April 30, 2016. more and more often in their The NFHS and the The theme of this year’s profession each day. AHSAA encourage member contest is: Be Someone’s The online courses offer schools to promote safety Hero – Stand Up to needed insight and awareness among student- Hazing. professional growth in this athletes. One initiative is an For more information on area. The sports specific essay contest aimed at these contests, their prizes courses emphasize knowing students themselves. The and deadlines please visit: the playing rules program will enhance http://hazingprevention.org/ understanding state knowledge and awareness. home/awardsandgrants/ association rules and policies Please encourage your national-hazing-prevention- governing sports. Courses student-athletes to participate week-poster-contest/ and also encourage the in this program. http://hazingprevention.org/ participation of team building Another important topic home/awardsandgrants/high- activities and community available through the online school-essay-contest/ service projects with their course offerings is a course teams during the season and dealing with bullying and

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 7 QB Tyler Johnston Named ASWA’s 2015 Mr. Football

Spanish Fort’s Tyler John- ston was named the 34th recipient of the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Mr. Football Award last- month at the ASWA’s 2015 Player of the Year Awards luncheon presented by the Alabama High School Ath- letic Directors and Coaches Association. The annual luncheon was held at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery. Johnston – a 6-foot-2, 210 -pound senior quarterback – threw for 3,619 yards this season, completing 193 of 286 passes with 39 touch- downs and just nine inter- Spanish Fort senior Tyler Johnston is shown ceptions. Johnston also had with AHSADCA Director 129 carries for 750 yards for Alvin Briggs 13 . Johnston was 35-0 as a starter, leading the most of the 2014 season with an ACL Toros to state championships injury. in 2013 and 2015 but missing

New Central Board member Sworn in AHSAA Associate Executive Director Tony Stallworth administers the oath of office to Go- shen High School prin- cipal Major Lane, the newest Central Board member. Lane is repre- senting District 2.

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 8 AHSAA, AHSADCA Endorse Heads Up Football

The Alabama High School Athletic As- health and safety practices concerning sociation (AHSAA) and the Alabama high school football. We must be vigilant High School Athletic Directors & Coach- in continuing to find ways to make the es Association (AHSADCA) have en- game of football more safe, thus allowing dorsed USA Football’s Heads Up Foot- the student-athletes to continue learning ball® program for the betterment of the the important life lessons that this unique state’s football-playing student-athletes. sport can teach. Our goal is to have all Including the AHSAA, a total of 20 state our coaches become USA Football certi- high school athletic associations and fied.” coaches associations support the USA The AHSAA Central Board of Control Football program. USA Football, a mem- approved the endorsement by the AH- ber of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is SAA and the AHSADCA at its winter the sport’s national governing body and meeting January 20. certifies more high school and youth The have support- coaches combined than any organization ed the Heads Up Football program in the U.S. through several clinics educating coaches, In preparation for the 2016 football sea- parents and players about the certification son, the AHSAA recommends that all of program. In addition to increasing aware- its 384 football-playing member high ness across the Gulf Coast, the Saints schools, representing more than 31,000 have provided grants to high schools to football-playing student-athletes, utilize cover the enrollment fees required in the Heads Up Football, which has earned the nationally-endorsed coaching education endorsement of leaders in medicine, child and athlete safety program. advocacy and sport. Alabama stands ninth The events hosted by the Saints include in the U.S. with 31,468 high school foot- player safety clinics for coaches, clinics ball-playing student athletes. AHSAA is for the parents of student-athletes and also encouraging its more than 300 mem- forums with regional youth football lead- ber middle and junior high schools to uti- ers with the goal to expand and encourage lize this resource. youth and high school teams to enroll in Created and administered by independ- the USA Football program. ent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up “Heads Up Football will enhance the Football establishes important standards tools we already have in place regarding rooted in the best available science. health and safety and will provide another “We are excited to be partnering with layer of education and protection for our Heads Up Football,” said Executive Di- high school and middle school football rector Steve Savarese. “We share the com- coaches,” AHSADCA Director Alvin mon goal of educating our coaches, ad- Briggs said. ministrators and players about the best

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 9 Alabama Is First State to Offer Video Medical Evaluations for Wrestling

Last year there were Second, there will be three wrestlers who were sports medicine-trained disqualified from the AH- physicians at both the Su- SAA State Wrestling Cham- per Section and State tour- pionship meet because of naments this month per- contagious skin conditions. forming the skin inspec- This travesty could have tions at weigh-in to help easily been prevented by ensure the best possible early and appropriate evalu- evaluations for the athletes ation and management of at the tournaments. these conditions. The Medical Advisory Most skin infections can Dr. Jimmy Robinson Committee is hoping that be cleared to participate if AHSAA Medical these two measures will they have been treated for Advisory Committee prevent any athletes from at least 72 hours or at least Co-Chairman missing out on their chance until they are no longer of a championship and at considered contagious. tee on the evaluation and the same time preventing This year, the AHSAA proper management of the the spread of contagious Medical Advisory Commit- condition via any form of skin conditions to other tee is taking steps to ensure video communications such competitors. that no student-athlete is as FaceTime®, Skype®, For more information disqualified due to condi- etc. on this service, please con- tions that can be treated The coach can call the tact Greg Brewer at the before competition and that physician to arrange for the AHSAA office. other athletes are not being video consult exposed to potentially con- (as long as the tagious conditions. This will athletes and be accomplished in two their parents ways. give permis- First, the Medical Advi- sion), and the sory Committee is pleased physician can to be the first NFHS state then give ad- association medical adviso- vice as to ry committee to offer video whether the consulting for coaches and condition could athletes. Any student- disqualify the athlete that has a skin con- student-athlete dition in the week leading and/or who in up to the Super Section their area may tournament or the State be able to treat tournament will have the the condition opportunity to receive ad- appropriately if vice from members of the it is in fact con- Medicsl Advisory Commit- tagious.

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 10

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 11 AHSAA’s Super Bowl Connections Run Deep

When kicks off Sunday, February 7, Alabama’s eyes will be on the contest for a lot of rea- sons. Five colleges from inside the state’s borders will be represented (Alabama, Au- burn, Troy University, Sam- ford and UAB). A closer look shows a total of eight AHSAA member schools that list players on the Den- Roman Harper Jerricho Cotchery ver Broncos and rosters. seasons notching 302 career ber of their team who, in Don’t be surprised if an tackles and five intercep- their eyes, "exemplifies AHSAA alum steps up in tions earning All-SEC hon- commitment to the princi- Super Bowl 50. The MVP ors as a senior. A second- ples of sportsmanship and of the first two Super round draft pick of the courage". Those players Bowls in 1967 and 1968 New Orleans Saints in selected are announced in was former Sidney Lanier 2006, he had eight tackles late December and honored High School and University in Super Bowl XLIV in at a banquet each March in of Alabama quarterback 2009. He has had 73 total Baltimore. Bart Starr. The 1969 MVP tackles this season for the Cotchery, the second was Joe Namath. He Panthers. youngest of 11 children, prepped at Beaver Falls, Harper, 33, has been the signed with North Carolina Pennsylvaina, but played ultimate professional during State out of high school his for the his NFL career. He was and became another Ala- Crimson Tide. named to NFL All-Pro bamian quarterback Philip Roman Harper, a 2001 Bowl team in 2009 and Rivers’ star receiver for the graduate of Prattville High 2010 and was presented the Wolfpack over the next School, leads the Alabama four years. He finished his contingent as a safety for in 2007. Former Birming- ACC career as just the sec- the Carolina Panthers. A 10 ham-Phillips standout re- ond pass catcher to have -year veteran of the NFL, ceiver and basketball player more than 200 career re- Harper was a quarterback, Jerricho Cotchery, a 12-year ceptions, more than 3,000 safety and kick returner for veteran of the NFL, is a yards and at least 15 the Lions where he earned on the Caroli- 100-yard-plus games. All-State honors in his sen- na roster. Like Harper, he He was drafted by the ior season (2000) and was also named a recipient Jets in the 4th round in played in the 2001 Ala- of the Ed Block Courage 2004 and has since com- bama-Mississippi All-Star Award in 2008. piled a career total 524 Game. Every year, active players catches, 6,623 yards 34 He had a stellar career at on each of the 32 teams in touchdowns for the Jets, the University of Alabama the National Football Steelers and Panthers. where he started for three League vote for one mem- Continued, Page 12

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 12 AHSAA’s Super Bowl Connections Run Deep

Continued from Page 11 Denver touts two veterans of the NFL as well – line- Denver Guard backer Demarcus Ware (Auburn High School) and offensive lineman Evan Mathis (Homewood High School). Mathis, who played for Coach Bob Newton at Homewood, was an all-state offensive lineman and won the 2000 Class 6A state heavyweight wrestling championship his senior year. A four-year starter at Ala- bama, he started in 47 straight games for the As a senior, he totaled 55 Year in 2008 and the NFL’s Crimson Tide. Drafted in tackles with seven sacks Butkus Award winner in round three by the Carolina and also picked up team 2008 and 2011. Panthers in 2005, he has MVP honors as a line- Rounding out the AH- played for five NFL teams backer/receiver. He had SAA’s Super Bowl 50 con- including Carolina, Miami, one offer out of high nection are Carolina defen- Cincinnati, Philadelphia, school, Troy University, sive lineman Mario Addi- and this season the Bron- where he starred from the son of Tarrant High cos. get-go and finished his ca- School, Panthers back-up Mathis did not allow a reer as an All-Sun Belt quarterback Joe Webb of sack at his guard position Conference defensive play- Wenonah, Broncos defen- for three straight seasons er. sive back of for the Bengals and was The and Lee-Huntsville, and Caroli- rated the best guard in the Coach Bill Parcells drafted na offensive lineman Reese NFL by Pro Football Focus as him 11th over in the 2005 Dismuke of Spanish Fort, the best guard in the NFL NFL Draft, and the rest is who is currently listed on for the 2011, 2012, and history. He had six straight the practice squad. 2013 seasons. He was pre- All-Pro seasons for the sented Pro Football Focus’ Cowboys beginning in inaugural Bruce Matthews 2006, and he led the NFL Award recognizing him the in sacks in 2008 (20) and NFL’s best offensive line- 2010 (15.5) and has a career man in 2013. total 134.5 sacks. He left Ware, who didn’t play Dallas in 2014 as the team’s football at Auburn High all-time sacks leader. School until his junior sea- He has been selected for son, already had made his the nine times Denver linebacker mark as a standout in base- (including 2015), was NFC Demarcus Ware ball, basketball and track. Defensive Player of the

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 13 Super Bowl 50 – Alabama connections PLAYERS FROM AHSAA MEMBER SCHOOLS (8) Carolina Panthers Mario Addison Tarrant DL Jerricho Cotchery Phillips (Carver B’ham) WR (NC State) Roman Harper Prattville DB Joe Webb Wenonah QB *-Reese Dismuke Spanish Fort OL (*-Practice squad) Evan Mathis Homewood OL Darian Stewart Lee-Huntsville DB (South Carolina) DeMarcus Ware Auburn DE/LB

PLAYERS FROM ALABAMA COLLEGES (11 players, 3 coaches) Carolina Panthers Cameron Artis-Payne Auburn RB Mario Addison Troy University DL Courand Finnnegan Samford DB **Tyronne Green Auburn OL (**-Injured reserve) Roman Harper Alabama DB Cam Newton Auburn QB Kevin Norwood Alabama WR *Reese Dismuke Auburn OL (*-Practice squad) Joe Webb UAB QB Coach Mike Shula Alabama Offensive Coordinator Denver Broncos Evan Mathis Alabama OL DeMarcus Ware Troy University OL Coach Auburn assistant Linebackers Coach Auburn assistant Tight Ends Coach

How To Sanction an Event

Sanctioning  Only enter “Home/Host” games/tournaments on your schedule  Drop down green add event button  Choose game/match/tournament, whichever applies (event is not a contest)  Only tournaments involving more than two teams require sanctioning except in volleyball, track, golf, wrestling, cross country and swimming – Charlotte see Handbook page 38, Section 3 rd Davies  Upon choosing tournament, complete the three step wizard, on the 3 step BE SURE TO CHECK “REQUIRES SANCTION APPROVAL”  Click Finish  Click on participant tab – REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL PROCESS  Have principal sign into C2C with his/her username/password  Go to principal certifications, competition certifications  Click one tournament at a time and click “I agree”  Click “certify selected”  Should see confirmation box “Approved”

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 14 Re-Classification 2016-18 Class 7A Region 1 Class 7A Alma Bryant Baker Davidson Fairhope Foley Mary Montgomery McGill-Toolen Murphy Theodore

Region 2 Auburn Central-Phenix City Enterprise Jeff Davis Lee-Montgomery Prattville Smiths Station

Region 3 Hoover Huffman Oak Mountain Spain Park Thompson Tuscaloosa County Vestavia Hills

Region 4 Bob Jones Buckhorn Gadsden City Grissom Hewitt-Trussville Huntsville James Clemens Sparkman OTHER SPORTS ALIGNMENTS ARE AT WWW.AHSAA.COM

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 15

CLASS 6A Region 1 Re-Classification 2016-18 B.C. Rain Baldwin County Blount Class 6A Daphne Gulf Shores LeFlore Robertsdale Saraland Spanish Fort Region 2 Carver-Montgomery Dothan Northview Park Crossing Russell County Sidney Lanier Stanhope Elmore Region 3 Benjamin Russell Chelsea Chilton County Helena Opelika Pelham Wetumpka Region 4 Bessemer City Brookwood Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa McAdory Northridge Paul Bryant Selma Region 5 Homewood Hueytown Jackson-Olin John Carroll Catholic Parker Ramsay Shades Valley Region 6 Carver-Birmingham Center Point Clay-Chalkville Gardendale Minor Pinson Valley Walker Region 7 Albertville Brewer Cullman Fort Payne Oxford Pell City Southside-Gadsden Region 8 Athens Austin Columbia Decatur Florence Hartselle Hazel Green Muscle Shoals

OTHER SPORTS ALIGNMENTS ARE AT WWW.AHSAA.COM

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 16

CLASS 5A Region 1 Re-Classification 2016-18 Cironelle Faith Academy Jackson Class 5A St. Paul’s Episcopal Vigor Wilcox Central Williamson Region 2 B.T. Washington Carroll Charles Henderson Eufaula Greenville Headland Rehobeth Region 3 Calera Central-Tuscaloosa Dallas County Demopolis Jemison Marbury Sumter Central Region 4 Beauregard Central-Clay County Cleburne County Lincoln Sylacauga Talladega Valley Region 5 Briarwood Christian Fairfield Moody Pleasant Grove St. Clair County Shelby County Wenonah Woodlawn Region 6 Corner Curry Fairview Hayden Mortimer Jordan Springville West Point Region 7 Alexandria Arab Boaz Crossville Douglas Etowah Guntersville Scottsboro Region 8 Ardmore Brooks East Limestone Jemison-Huntsville Lawrence County Lee-Huntsville Russellville St. John Paul II Catholic

OTHER SPORTS ALIGNMENTS ARE AT WWW.AHSAA.COM

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 17

CLASS 4A Region 1 Re-Classification 2016-18 Andalusia Escambia County Monroe County Class 4A Satsuma Thomasville UMS-Wright W.S. Neal Region 2 Alabama Christian Ashford Bullock County Dale County Montgomery Catholic Saint James Trinity Presbyterian Region 3 Childersburg Dadeville Elmore County Handley Holtville Leeds Munford Tallassee Region 4 Bibb County Greensboro Hale County Holt Northside Oak Grove Sipsey Valley West Blocton Region 5 Anniston Ashville Cherokee County Hokes Bluff Jacksonville Oneonta Saks White Plains Region 6 Cordova Dora Fayette County Good Hope Haleyville Hamilton Winfield Region 7 DAR Madison Academy Madison County North Jackson Randolph Sardis Westminster Christian Region 8 Central-Florence Danville Deshler Priceville Rogers West Limestone Wilson

OTHER SPORTS ALIGNMENTS ARE AT WWW.AHSAA.COM

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 18

CLASS 3A Region 1 Re-Classification 2016-18 Bayside Academy Clarke County Cottage Hill Christian Class 3A Excel Flomaton Hillcrest-Evergreen Mobile Christian T.R. Miller Region 2 Daleville Geneva Houston Academy Opp Providence Christian Slocomb Srtraughn Wicksburg Region 3 B.B. Comer Beulah Central Coosa Montgomery Academy Pike County Prattville Christian Southside-Selma Region 4 American Christian Carbon Hill Gordo Greene County Midfield Montevallo Oakman Region 5 Glencoe Ohatchee Piedmont Pleasant Valley Randolph County Walter Wellborn Weaver Region 6 Fultondale Hanceville Holly Pond JB Pennington Locust Fork Susan Moore Vinemont Region 7 Brindlee Mountain Geraldine New Hope North Sand Mountain Pisgah Plainview Sylvania Region 8 Clements Colbert County Colbert Heights East Lawrence Elkmont Lauderdale County Lexington West Morgan

OTHER SPORTS ALIGNMENTS ARE AT WWW.AHSAA.COM

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 19

CLASS 2A Region 1 Re-Classification 2016-18 Chickasaw Choctaw County J.J. Blacksher Class 2A Leroy St. Luke’s Episcopal Southern Choctaw Washington County Region 2 Abbeville Ariton Barbour County Cottonwood G.W. Long Geneva County Samson Region 3 Calhoun Central-Hayneville Elba Goshen Luverne New Brockton Zion Chapel Region 4 Aliceville Billingsley Francis Marion Keith R.C. Hatch Thorsby Verbena Region 5 Fayetteville Horseshoe Bend LaFayette Lanett Ranburne Reeltown Vincent Woodland Region 6 Asbury Collinsville Fyffe Gaston Ider Sand Rock Section Westbrook Christian

Region 7 Cleveland Cold Springs Falkville Tanner Tarrant West End Winston County

Region 8 Hatton Lamar County Mars Hill Bible Phil Campbell Red Bay Sheffield Sulligent

OTHER SPORTS ALIGNMENTS ARE AT WWW.AHSAA.COM

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 20

CLASS 1A Region 1 Re-Classification 2016-18 A.L. Johnson Fruitdale J.F. Shields Class 1A Linden Marengo McIntosh Millry Sweet Water Region 2 Brantley Florala Georgiana Houston County Kinston McKenzie Pleasant Home Red Level Region 3 Autaugaville Ellwood Christian Highland Home Isabella Loachapoka Maplesville Notasulga Region 4 Appalachian Donoho Ragland Talladega County Central Victory Christian Wadley Winterboro Region 5 Berry Brilliant Holy Spirit Catholic Hubbertville Marion County Pickens County South Lamar Region 6 Cedar Bluff Coosa Christian Gaylesville Jacksonville Christian Spring Garden Valley Head Woodville Region 7 Addison Decatur Heritage Lynn Meek R.A. Hubbard Southeastern Sumiton Christian Region 8 Cherokee Hackleburg Phillips Shoals Christian Tharptown Vina Waterloo

OTHER SPORTS ALIGNMENTS ARE AT WWW.AHSAA.COM

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 21 All-Star Nomination Deadlines Are Soon

for the North-South All- s we move into A Star Games. February, head coaches and North South All-Star administrators are Softball: The deadline is reminded to turn in March 24 for submitting nominations for the 2016 nominations for boys and North-South All-Star girls. The nomination form games to be played in July is Form 33. Only current at Montgomery as well as juniors may be nominated the upcoming Alabama- for the North-South All- Mississippi All-Star boys’ Star Games. and girls’ all-star basketball We also want to remind games to be played in schools that the online Alvin Briggs Mississippi in March. coaches clinic/exam for AHSADCA Director Nominations can be head softball and baseball submitted in C2C using the star competitions. coaches will close at appropriate all-star North South All-Star midnight Feb.15; for soccer nomination form. Soccer: The deadline is coaches at midnight Feb. 8; Directions and deadlines March 24 for submitting and for outdoor track for the respective sports nominations for boys and coaches at midnight Feb. include: girls. The nomination form 26. Alabama-Mississippi & is Form 33. Only current Most coaches satisfied North-South All-Star juniors may be nominated this requirement during the Basketball: The deadline is for the North-South All- Summer Conference. Feb. 3 for submitting Star Games. However, coaches who did nominations for boys and To access Form 33 in not attend a rules clinic girls. The nomination form your C2C account, you during the Summer is Form 35. Only current must sign in and click on Conference must take the seniors may be nominated the menu (on the top left of online clinic/exam on the for the Alabama-Mississippi the page), click on school AHSAA website. All-Star games. Only name, then documents and Log in to the C2C School current juniors may be filing and the document Section with your own nominated for the North- search. Remember to save username and password (if South All-Star games. the file. you do not have a To access Form 35 in If you do not see your username and password, your C2C account, you school name listed, please please see your principal). must sign in and click on see your administrator at Then, click on the menu the menu (on the top left of your school. He/she can (on top left page), go to the page), click on school print the form or fill it out Account & Personal, and name, then documents and on the screen. then, Your Exams. Find the filing and the document North South All-Star exam and enter. Highlight search. Remember to save Baseball: The deadline is the test you need to take the file before you close March 24 for submitting and accept at bottom right. out. nominations for boys and At this point you should be Make sure you check the girls. The nomination form able to choose your school appropriate game – the is Form 33. Only current name. Continue with each form is used for both all- juniors may be nominated screen.

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 22 NFHS Softball Rules Committee Announces Points of Emphasis for 2016 Season

A number should not be I have been fortunate used in the memorial patch. to serve on the NFHS Softball Rules Committee Rules of Emphasis and am honored to be STRIKE ZONE (Fast- currently serving as Pitch) – The NFHS chairperson. Softball is the Softball Rules Committee fifth-most popular sport for believes that improvements girls at the high school have been made in helping level, according to data on umpires identify the strike participation nationally zone for each hitter. compiled for the 2014-15 WANDA GILLILAND Additional work on this school year. Assistant Director issue is needed to make the The NFHS annually game fair for all hitters. surveys its state association There is no such thing as a the lineup. membership and reports common strike zone for all Example: Jackson is that 364,103 student- hitters. batting for Abel; when we athletes representing 15,115 The strike zone for fast- go on defense, Abel will re- schools participated. In the pitch is the space over any enter. – PROJECTED AHSAA, 380 high schools part of home plate which is SUBSTITUTE (Illegal); reported participating in the between the batter's Umpire: “I can take championship softball forward armpit and the top Jackson for Abel now, but program with 9,338 girls on of the knees when the you will have to re-enter high school teams and batter assumes a natural Abel when she goes back another 1,592 playing on batting stance. Any part of into the game.” middle school teams. the ball passing through the The NFHS Rules Major Editorial strike zone in flight over Committee selected several Changes the plate shall be items of emphasis for the One American Flag (3-2- considered a strike. The upcoming season and made 4) -- One American flag (2 umpire shall determine some editorial changes in inch x 3 inch maximum) each batter's strike zone the rule book. One new may be worn or occupy according to the batter's rule was added. space on the jersey. By state usual stance. For our coaches’ benefit association adoption, for DP/FLEX DUCATION as they prepare for the start special occasions, (3-3-6) – Coaches and of the 2016 season this commemorative or umpires across the country month, I am listing some of memorial patches, not to have expressed confusion the most important items exceed 4 square inches, regarding the DP/FLEX (3 of discussion below. may be worn on the jersey. -3-6). The DP/FLEX rule New rules EQUIPMENT RULE 3- was originally adopted Projected Substitute (2- 2-4 – A flag can be placed because it provides more 57-4): A projected on a jersey without state participation opportunities substitute is the act of association approval. A for student-athletes and entering a substitute commemorative patch may more flexibility to coaches. without first removing a be placed on a jersey with Continued, player from that position in state association approval. Page 23

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 23 Gilliland Commentary Softball Points of Emphasis

CONTINUED FROM strong pitcher may choose SCN4B, SCN5, SCN5B, Page 22 to start with the non-pivot SCN6B, SCN7, SCN7B, foot behind the pitching SCN8, SCN8B, SCN9, PITCHING (FP) 6-1-1 – plate. Both choices would SCX14, SCX14B, SCX24B, STANCE: The pitcher require the pivot foot to be and SCX3. must bring the hands on or partially on the top of The NFHS Softball Rules together in front of the the pitching plate. Book specifically states that body (one time only) for MALICIOUS the bat must contain the not less than one second CONTACT (2-35); (8-6- 2000 or 2004 ASA and not more than 10 14) – Malicious contact is certification mark and seconds before releasing defined as an act that NOT be on the ASA non- the ball. involves excessive force approved bat list. 24-INCH PLATE with an opponent. A Therefore, these bats are no VIOLATION: Both feet runner is out when she longer permitted in NFHS must start within or remains on her feet and contests. NFHS Rule 1-5- partially within the 24-inch maliciously crashes into a 1d is listed below for your length of the pitching plate. defensive player. Malicious convenience. As the pitcher winds up contact supersedes Rule 1-5-1d - The bat and delivers the pitch, the obstruction. When shall: (d) Meet the 2004 stride foot and the pivot malicious contact is ASA Bat Performance foot must remain in or initiated by a runner, the Standard, bear either the partially within the pitching runner is out and all other 2000 or 2004 certification plate. Enforcement of this runners must return to the mark and not be listed on rule is the responsibility of last base touched at the the ASA non-approved bat the plate umpire. Failure to time of interference. The list as found on http:// call this infraction gives the runner is also ejected. www.teamusa.org/USA- pitcher an added advantage BAT REMOVED FROM Softball.aspx. Bat barrels not intended by the rule as APPROVED LIST – The made entirely of wood are it allows her to put more Amateur Softball permitted and need not movement on the ball. The Association of America bear an ASA mark, but NFHS Softball Rule (ASA)/USA Softball, in shall not exceed 2¼ inches Committee reinforces its working with Easton in diameter. support of the rule and Baseball/Softball Inc. encourages coaches and (Easton), recently pitchers to take advantage announced that Easton is

of the appropriate stance voluntarily based on skill level. removing the 2016 NFHS Softball Rules and (Note) - Pitchers are following Case Book as E-Books encouraged to choose the softball bat . Electronic Versions of the NFHS Softball Rules and Case Book are now available for starting stance for pitching models from purchase as e-books. that supports their skill the ASA/USA . Apple users can visit iTunes for available level. A strong and list of certified books. . Apple, Android and Kindle users can buy e- advanced pitcher may bats: SCN1, books from Amazon.com and view them choose to start with the SCN11BH, through the Kindle app. non-pivot foot in contact SCN1B, . Price: $5.99 each . Visit www.nfhs.org/ebooks with the pitching plate SCN2B, for more information. while a novice or not so SCN3,

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 24 First AHSAA State Bowling Championships Were Successful

Sarah Heggem, he month of January T Tuscaloosa Sports & was a very busy month Tourism with the addition of Dave Driscoll, President, championship bowling. David Driscoll & Associates The AHSAA conducted its Tommy Barberini, General first-ever regional bowling Manager, Oak Mountain tournaments, one in Foley Lanes and one in Tuscaloosa, and Oak Mountain Lanes Staff then moved right in to the City of Pelham first-ever State Bowling Championships for boys Denise Ainsworth Assistant Director Two regional winners were and girls at Pelham. crowned in each division: These events would not James Clemens High School (North have been possible without the hard Regional Champions, Boys and Girls); work and dedication of so many. Their Thompson High School (Girls’ South dedication and willingness to volunteer Regional Champions); and Stanhope countless hours of service to provide a Elmore High School (Boys’ South great experience for our bowlers, coaches Regional Champions). The runners-up and fans were inspirational, to say the included: Northview (South Girls), Baker least. I hope I do not leave out anyone, (South Boys) and Sparkman (North Girls but if I do, please accept my apologies. & Boys). We express our sincere gratitude and And the inaugural Boys/Girls State admiration to so many, especially the Champions crowned at Oak Mountain following: Lanes were: Spain Park (Boys) and Sparkman (Girls). Stanhope Elmore was Tuscaloosa Sports and Tourism the boys’ runner-up, and James Clemens City of Tuscaloosa was the girls’ runner-up. City of Foley Congratulations to these schools and Leland Lanes Staff all the schools that have embraced the Gulf Bowl Staff sport of bowling and helped make this Trish Hannah, General Manager, first year of championship play so Leland Lanes memorable. The addition of bowling is an Jim Spitzley, President, Tuscaloosa affirmative demonstration that we at the USBC Association AHSAA believe strongly that there is Bob Gambrell, Board Member, great benefit to participation in education Tuscaloosa USBC Association -based athletics. The lifelong lessons Dusty Cole, General Manager, Gulf learned from participation in high school Bowl athletics should be made available to as Baldwin County USBC Association many students as our bylaws will allow Volunteers and support. Don Staley, Director of Sports, City of Foley Jay Kasten, Director, Tuscaloosa Sports & Tourism

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 25

Class of 2016 AHSAA Student Leadership Group Selected

The 2016 AHSAA Student Leader- gomery. During their time at the con- ship Class has been selected from the ference, they will learn more about the nominations submitted by member AHSAA, speak with executive director schools. Joining last year’s inaugural Steve Savarese, have group sessions with class of student leadership participants leadership clinician Jack Williams, CEO are 16 student-athletes (eight boys and of the IDEALS leadership program, and eight girls). Two were selected from visit educational venues in Montgomery. each of the AHSAA’s eight districts. The feedback from last year’s confer- All were recommended by their teachers ence was extremely positive, and with and/or administrators and chosen from the inaugural class helping coordinate a group of about 150 applications. this year’s conference, this year’s leader- The AHSAA is looking forward to ship conference will be even better. another great leadership conference with Congratulations to the new students these new additions to our outstanding selected for the AHSAA Student Lead- inaugural class from last year. ership Team! Those selected will participate in a two-day conference April 4-5 at the Em- bassy Suites Hotel in downtown Mont-

2016 AHSAA Student Leadership New Additions

Name School District Class

Jordan Alexander Benjamin Russell 4 6A William Brown McKenzie 2 1A Todd Cruse Lexington 7 3A Claudia Harris Prattville 3 7A Anna Hogewood Vestavia Hills 5 7A Morgan Johnson Opp 2 3A Clayton McConnell Foley 1 7A Callie Hollingsworth Cullman 8 6A Mallory Messer St. Paul’s 1 5A Srivatsan Ponnazhagan Altamont 5 2A Jackson Prater Athens 8 6A Brady Rinehard Walter Wellborn 6 3A Kaitlyn Rogers Spring Garden 6 1A Kareem Ross Dallas County 3 5A Hannah Traylor Elmore County 4 4A Oakley Ward Brilliant 7 1A

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 26 Kilgo’s Perfect Game Highlights AHSAA State Bowling Championships

Gadsden City High rolling a 706 in the School sophomore traditional bowling on Jonathan Kilgo rolled the Thursday. His single first perfect game in game best 268 was third AHSAA State Bowling only to Kilgo’s perfect Championships history to game. Eighth grader Josh highlight the inaugural state Wilson of Stanhope tourney that concluded Jan. Elmore posted a 269 in 29 at Pelham’s Oak Friday’s quarterfinals for Mountain Lanes. the second highest single Kilgo, who came in with game effort of the state a 130 average, did not tourney. compete in the first two Sierra Lewis of rounds of the traditional Scottsboro rolled the bowling first round girls’ division high series Thursday. His perfect (698) and also had the three Jonathan Kilgo round, 12 strikes in a row, highest games (220, 234, came in the final round of 244) in each round on 243 game in the first round the first-day competition. Thursday and a high of 234 of Friday’s championship Christian McNeeley of on Friday. Beth Fowler of play elimination bracket. Mary Montgomery Sparkman turned in the recorded the highest series second best single game for of the state championships, the girls’ division with a

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 27 2016 AHSAA State Bowling Champions

Boys Champs: Spain Park Jaguars Coach Stephen Hobbs

Girls Champs: Sparkman Senators Coach Isabella Coffell

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 28 Everything Happens For A Reason

In December, I lost Occasionally, during my another dear friend and daily commute to former colleague to cancer. Montgomery, I listen to Hearing Bear’s Bear O’Brian’s morning inspiration that morning show on Kissin’99.3 out of made me think of these two Columbus, GA. Every friends. I also began to morning Bear shares a daily think of all the people inspiration to motivate his coaches have an listeners to have a great day. opportunity to touch Recently his inspiration was throughout the course of a titled “Everything Happens KIM VICKERS career, and made me for a Reason”. This Assistant Director question if I have had as message contained beautiful much impact on others as words of encouragement my two friends had in their that I needed that day! to test limits of your soul. short lives. “Sometimes people come “Without these small When a career comes to into your life and you know tests, life would be like a an end and a coach can right away that they were smoothly-paved, straight, honestly say that he/she meant to be there…to serve flat road to nowhere safe has done everything some sort of purpose, teach and comfortable but dull possible for the good of you a lesson or help figure and utterly pointless. others and to better the out who you are or who “The people you meet lives of athletes, then, and you want to become. You affect your life. The only then, was he/she never know who this successes and downfalls successful. Success is not person may be, but you that you experience can counted by the number of make eye contact and you create who you are, and the games won, but more by know at that very moment bad experiences can be the number of lives that this person will affect learned from. In fact, the touched. your life in some profound bad experiences are often way. the most poignant and “And sometimes things important ones. If someone Jerel Crayton happen to you at the time hurts you, betrays you or (March 19, 1980- that may seem horrible, breaks your heart, forgive October 19, 2015) painful and unfair, but in them because they have reflection you realize that helped you learn about trust and the importance of without overcoming those obstacles, you would have being cautious to whom never realized your you open your potential, strength, will heart.” (Author Unknown) In October, I lost a power or heart. Crystal Coker “Everything happens for former assistant coach in a Morris a reason. Nothing happens tragic accident who I not (May 4, 1978- by chance or by means of only considered as a valued December 5, 2015) luck, illness, love. Lost work partner, but also a moments of true greatness dear friend I considered as and sheer stupidity all occur family.

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 29 Alabama 2015 All-Star Football Team

Head Coach: Mark Freeman, Thompson High School 2015 Game: Mississippi 28, Alabama 21 All-Time Series Record: Alabama 21-8

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 30

February 2016 AHSAA Update Page 31

 AHSAA STAFF - KIM VICKERS ([email protected])- Assistant Director - STEVE SAVARESE ([email protected]) Director for all Publications, Hall of Fame, - Executive Director - Coaches Directory, Surveys, Student Leadership, Overall AHSAA Administration Eligibility, Sports Calendars, Human Resources SANDY LOGAN ([email protected]) TONY STALLWORTH - Office Manager - ([email protected])- Associate Executive Bookkeeper for AHSAA & AHSADCA, Chief Director - Financial Officer, Coaches Registration, ALABAMA HIGH Administration, Eligibility, Investigations, Admission Ticketing, Catastrophic Insurance SCHOOL ATHLETIC Coaches Education, School Audits, Middle Premiums, Championship Programs, Conference ASSOCIATION Update Schools, Championship Events, NFHS Coaches Registrations, Contracts Education Committee CHARLOTTE DAVIES Issued monthly by the Ala- WANDA GILLILAND ([email protected]) bama High School Athletic ([email protected])- Assistant Director - - Administrative Secretary to Executive Director- Association Championship Events, Volleyball, Basketball, Correspondence of Official AHSAA Letters for P.O. Box 242367 Softball Coordinator, Eligibility, Investigations, Executive and Associate Directors, Sanction Montgomery, AL 36124- Sports Declarations, Foreign Exchange Students, Approval, Hall of Fame, Legislative Proposals, Bryant-Jordan Coordinator, Observer Cards, 2367 NFHS Softball Rules Committee Chair GREG BREWER ([email protected]) Master Calendar, Committee Meetings 7325 Halcyon Summit Dr. - Assistant Director - ELVIA HENDERSON Montgomery, AL 36124 Director of Officials for All Sports, Officials ([email protected]) Guide, Officials Camps, Playing Rules - Secretary (Eligibility) - Phone: 334-263-6994; Implementation, Wrestling, Baseball, NFHS Receptionist, Data Coordinator for AHSAA Fax: 334-387-0075; Football Rules Committee Eligibility, Fines & Ejections, Coaches Education, ALVIN BRIGGS ([email protected]) Foreign Exchange Students, OTG Coordinator, Web: www.ahsaa.com - Director of Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Social Chairperson, Member school OFFICE HOURS: 8 a.m.- Coaches Association - correspondence 5 p.m. weekdays AHSADCA, Football, Super 7 Coordinator, ALAINE DAVIS ([email protected]) Summer Conference/All-Star Week, All-Star - Secretary (Finance) - teams, Alabama-Mississippi All-Star games, Championship Programs, Football Regional Sports Committees, Sports Clinics, Champions Standings and Playoffs, Ticket Distribution, Challenge, Principals & AD Conference Sports Playoff Financial Reports, Football, Meet The RON INGRAM ([email protected]) Basketball Playoff Packets, Ticket Distribution - Director of Communications - VANDA PEPPERS ([email protected] ) AHSAA Multi-Media Coordinator, Star Sportsmanship, - Secretary (AHSAA and AHSADCA) - Medical Advisory Committee, Publicity, Records Assistant to Director of Officials, Player and Staff Updates, Championship Events, Rosters & Coaches Coordinator and Coaches Registration Schedules, NFHS Network, NFHS Records for All-Star Sports Week, Ala.-Miss. Basketball Committee Chair; NFHS Spirit of Sport Comm. Coordinator, Officials Registration and Website DENISE AINSWORTH EULA MILNER ([email protected]) ([email protected]) - Secretary (AHSADCA) - Assistant Director - Summer Conference Expo, Speakers Director of Special Projects, Professional Coordinator, Summer Conference Golf Tourney, Development, Summer Conference/All-Star Ala.-Miss. Football Coordinator, All-Star Week, Sports Mini-Clinics, Strategic Plan, Hall of Souvenir Programs, Sports Mini-Clinics, Fame, Student Leadership, Unified Sports, Leadership Training, Principals & AD Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Marketing Liaison, Conference NIAAA Coordinator, Principals & AD ALAN MITCHELL ([email protected]) Conference; NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee - Assistant Director (retired) - MARVIN CHOU ([email protected]) Website, Publications consultant - Assistant Director - RODNEY MILLS ([email protected]) Eula Milner Website Development & Coordinator, - IT Coordinator - Swimming, Soccer, Cross Country, Golf, C2C Technology Engineer, AHSAA IT Network, 17th Year Schools Coordinator, Sports Declarations, Servers & Security Systems, Software, Hardware Student Leadership, Social Media Coordinator, Updates, New Software Education, Technology NFHS Network, NFHS Swimming Committee Equipment Maintenance