Area school systems were able to provide requested financial data for each head football coach. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster Freeman will be well-compensated for his efforts. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. After 90 minutes of talking football, Darrell Higgins couldnt believe Harsin was still in his office. 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. The challenge facing Harsin as he enters his second season at Auburn is making inroads while his program is geographically sandwiched between Nick Sabans established Alabama machine and Kirby Smarts emerging Georgia juggernaut. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. Auburn hadn't signed an Auburn High School player since 2009, but Harsin landed offensive lineman Eston Harris Jr. and linebacker Powell Gordon in 2022. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. He said Alabama assistant Sal Sunseri visited our school at least once per week when time was permitted., Another prominent coach in Alabama who spoke on condition of anonymity, when asked the biggest difference between Alabama and Auburn, had a simple response: Coach Saban has come by and spent up to an hour visiting with us. I grew up playing a lot of sports. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. He ran from the other side of the field all the way to our sideline and tackled the quarterback, Fegans said. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. Before the early signing period, support staffer Trovon Reed was allowed to do hands-on recruiting because Auburn had a coaching opening; the NCAA restricts the number of assistants who can make home visits, but Harsin fired offensive coordinator Mike Bobo after the regular season. Whatever that it is and wherever it takes him. Thompson High School coach Mark Freeman said the 6-foot-2 Fegans almost tricks a quarterback into throwing the ball by purposefully making him think a receiver is open. Ganus played high school ball at Chelsea and played linebacker at UAB prior to the closure of the Blazers football program in 2014. No JV for you, rookie. 11 in the 247Sports Composite and already stands 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. Thompson . Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. Official Twitter Page of Thompson High School Athletics. Griffin MiddleSchool team in seventh and eighth grade. In another, it makes perfect sense. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. Even still, Thompson didnt seem like a place to win big. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza. How do those salary ranges compare to the rest of Class 7A, Region 3? Thompson graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. 90 nationally. Coach Kirk Johnson has handled the football teams recruiting for a number of years, developing ties at Auburn. Eads and former Pinson Valley coach Sam Shade (now at Miles College) were among the high school coaches who met Harsin at a seven-on-seven camp in summer 2021. Main Number 331-228-3100 . Youre playing Central and Opelika: Tell me what theyve got. Top Coach. During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. At Eufaula, Rigby says Alabama assistant Charles Kelly is good at staying in touch. Tommy Thompson was 6-1 (185 cm) tall. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009. The years you dont have players, they dont know your name.. "It is going to be special.". I mean, if you come and play hard, its hard to get on a kid. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. The Warriors (13-1) captured a third straight 7A championship while making a fourth straight Super 7 appearance. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. Win those battles, keep as many people home, and love, love, love on those high school coaches. One of Harsin's strategies in that regard has been emphasis onlocal recruiting. Actually, me and Gavin have been talking about this since we were little boys. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. The quintet started. Weve got some guys here that have got to get on board. The Crimson Tide, who have the No. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . Things started off good for him the summer before his freshman year at Central. CIF Fundamentals of Coaching (Information provided by district). And Woods is a five-star 2023 defensive lineman who has programs all over the country begging for his services, too. Both are top-40 nationally. Freeman's decision . Forced to reckon with established powers, what has Harsin done to make recruiting inroads in his first 14 months? 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. }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. Experience: 38 years Education: University of Texas Assignment: Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Wife: Teresa Children: Abby, Kate Phone: 512-414-0528 Email: jeff.ables@austinisd.org. With one of the states largest high school athletic programs at the Class 7A level, Hester said it would be beneficial for the school in many ways. THS TV allows students the opportunity to work in all areas of production, including behind-the-scenes and on-camera for news programs, our "Hey Coach" show, live sports events such as football games, and other sports and entertainment programming. He stepped down at Bessemer Academy following the 2007 football season and served as the quarterbacks coach at Minor in 2008. The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. And while some schools showed interest in him taking his talents there, the recruiting slowed down, no matter how much he was thrashing his competition on a team that was one of the best around. Freeman had a tremendous run in the private school ranks in Alabama Independent School Association football at Bessemer Academy before he moved to Alabama High School Athletic Association public football. He felt he was on his way. Last years team started 3-2 and finished 3-7, but lost four games by eight points or less to talented playoff teams. Then theres Mitchell, a five-star 2023 recruit whos No. He was Alabamas first verbal commitment in the 2022 class when he made his decision in March 2020. High school sports greats who died in 2022, 2022 high school football state champions, Georgia football state championship games. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. Bowie Football Coaching Staff. Everybodys thinking about the recruiting process, Thompson said. Is Tommy Thompson in the Hall of Fame? Funny how hard work works. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. . There are now five. The Tigers' first 2023 commit is also from Auburn High: four-star offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner. He's also not letting ALS take away his ability to coach, even if he's had to rely on . And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among those who have taken notice. How tall was Tommy Thompson? 17 nationally, and his teammates are often wowed by his skills. Coach Freeman led the Rebels to four State Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. They understand what that does for high school that makes it an exciting day when Coach Harsin or Coach Saban shows up.. He also coached softball, powerlifting, girls and boys basketball. He was THAT good. It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. Published 3:43 pm Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Fegans laughs with a. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . An extended COVID-19 recruiting dead period ended June 1, 2021. We now have834teams & 188,070games on AHSFHS.org. It also means neither of those quality coaches have yet to win a playoff game in the state's largest classification yet. AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. High School Teacher jobs 25,325 open jobs Building Supervisor jobs 25,132 open jobs . On 12/9, the Thomson varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Fitzgerald (GA) by a score of 32-27. I really dont. Coaches liked that Harsin didn't hold back in that regard. All rights reserved (About Us). And save for his first year with Concord Parks and Rec, when he scored a basket in the opposing teams hoop, he was good, too. Its home for me. He knew it, not in a cocky way. Were like a family. Whether or not thats a serious concern varies depending on the coach. The Alabaster City Schools website includes a tagline in cursive script that reads "Champions of our Future" on every page. But during his time at Calera, Simpson was also the teams baseball coach during the 2017 and 2018 seasons and eventually became the schools athletic director. Thats the altitude Thompson has currently reached with its run of impressive athletes, which also includes three-star quarterback Conner Harrell, who is committed to North Carolina. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. Im just trying to go MY way. Its so rewarding what we deal with. Photographer Cecil Copeland has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Championship) containing 176 photos. . This family, after all, has a close bond. So if everybody took two players at the Apps and East Carolinas and Wilmingtons and all that, a lot of kids get to go play. Thompson smiled as he recalled the encounter and warned, My grandma, she has a way with words. Waldrop said he had conversations with Etheridge and Auburn defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding, both of whom regularly made themselves available. Jaiden Thompson takes flight last week against Shelby Crest. Even though none of Shades players had an offer from Auburn during the last recruiting cycle, Harsin was trying to make a visit before getting sidetracked. The outworkem all came. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 20-14 win @ Appling County on 12/2/2022 7:30 PM. Hoover City Schools pays its football coaches the same $47,741 stipend. Friday afternoon drive time on I-65 was the cause for that. Alabaster is the 16th largest city in the state, but its high school is home to more than 2,000 students with the population growing over the past couple of decades. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. 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. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. Posted - 02/28/2023 : 12:35:46 . Wallace was hired in 2018, and went 11-28 overall. Jeff Ables. But he acknowledges that the dynamics have changed since he was leading the Indians courting prospects. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. "It's not a hard place to recruit to. To me it made a lot of sense. Alabama High School Football History Thompson Coaches Thompson Warriors The AHSFHS.org Fan Shop Some records may be incomplete. He was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. Ty Branyon. 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. 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. Some Thomson's stats have been entered for the 32-27 win vs. Fitzgerald on 12/9/2022 12:00 PM. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. Highland Home coach Will Pouncey hasnt seen Harsin visit, but he said Auburns assistants have had consistent contact. Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. As does Thompson now. Auburns staffparticularly Etheridge and director of high school relations Brendt Bedsole, a former high school coachhas impressed high school coaches. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. Ill have to get some guys out there, Ganus said. Others said the bare minimum is to have made that a top priority by now. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. Website. He needed to hit that growth spurt, and he needed to become familiar with the weight room. C. JEMAL HORTON COLUMN: Central Cabarrus Thompson fulfilling his promise in more ways than one. 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. Eads appreciated Harsin asking for ideas and advice about organizing a coaching clinic. 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. The Warriors finished 12-1 in 2017, losing in the semifinals of the Class 7A State Football Playoffs. The more kids that get on campus, you're going to see him put his stamp on the type of kids he wants to recruit.". I dont know if Ive ever raised my voice at Jaiden, Baker said. I wrestled, I played baseball. Jay Gogue announced Feb. 11 that Harsin will remain the coach, 'The first one changes you': Coaches recall their debuts in the Iron Bowl, a game that determines longevity, I tried to score over college basketball's greatest shot blocker, Walker Kessler | Durando. Baker, who had a decorated career as the head coach at Catawba College, believes Thompson, who carries a 3.8 GPA, will win the recruiting game. Thompson High School coach Mark Freeman said the 6-foot-2 Fegans almost tricks a quarterback into throwing the ball by purposefully making him think a receiver is open. Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. Eason was also frequently praised for his recruiting. Some believe its unreasonable to expect Harsin to contact every in-state school so quickly. Simpson will be heavily involved in helping with operations and administration of several different sports, which Hester said will be a huge help. Thats what I actually LOVE about this team. 5 in the state and No. "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" He has an offer right now, but he doesnt have that ONE. OK, I was a lot alarmed. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. In the 2022 class, the state's No. Ganus was part of a Thompson coaching staff that has won three straight 7A state championships from 2019-2021. But it wasnt an, Absolutely, yeah, Ill do it. But then I started thinking about it. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in 2 in Alabama) and defensive lineman Peter Woods (No. "Rogers (High) AD Ricky Hole was close friends with my dad," MacDonald said. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. Im not choosing sides on Alabama-Auburn, Rigby says, but the most important recruiting trait to him is when a college coach visits even in those years when the high school doesnt have top-rated players. Theres no my way or the highway. What I want to do is take what Ive learned, what Ive been able to take in during my five years with Thompson and apply it to Moody. Now, theyre recruiting the freakish athlete. Auburn High School coach Keith Etheredge heard Harsin say it: You may not have all those stars, but Ive seen you play. He even referenced the model set by former Cox Mill star Wendell Moore Jr., who led the Chargers to back-to-back state titles before going on to shine at Duke and become the first Cabarrus County-bred athlete to be chosen in the NBA Draft. He took his time, did his research, seemed to flirt with Clemson and ended up back at the beginning this summer, committing to Alabama again on July 8. What would make you consider a digital subscription to Shelby County Reporter? Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. The run included a 31-game win streak, eventually snapped by Daphne late in the 2014 season. His girls basketball team made the playoffs from 2006-08, and his boys basketball team was state champion in 2008 and made the play-offs seven seasons. Thompson was beside himself. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. Position: Football Coaches, San Rafael High School 23/24 Season. It gives a kid a lot of fire.. University of Northern Colorado . His overall record in 16 years of coaching is 164-37, including a 30-8 playoff mark. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Not yet 6 feet, Thompson proved he belonged with the big boys, the varsity. Alabama has more in its backyard than other traditionally talent-rich SEC states, including Louisiana and Georgia. So if you can do it at that level, you can do it at an SEC level.. Id say Im athletic, Alexander said. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue . The Warriors havent won as many as 10 games in a season since 1987. 74 overall in the 2023 class. Everybody just clicks together, Thompson explained. He will get an extension to his contract of $13,068.60 as a 12-month employee. It's a recurring theme: Seven of the 14 coaches who spoke with the Advertiser hadnot met Harsin. All rights reserved (About Us). Longtime Thompson coach Mark Freeman said that he has never met Harsinwhen asked after National Signing Day. High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. I have a great team, a great family, and we could actually win this whole thing.. Freeman was also the coach of the All-Star football game seven consecutive seasons. Ryan Thorburn. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. But he knew it. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. Saturdays game, a highly anticipated rematch of last seasons semifinals, will be played at McDowell High School in Marion at 3 p.m. You might even be able to hear Faulkner yelling words of support for her grandbaby, even in a gym packed with 3,700 other fans. His softball teams made Final 4 appearances from 2003-05, and his powerlifting teams were 3 time State Champs. On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. DS David Simone Team 8-3 - Language Arts. Isidore Newman quarterback Arch Manning headlines the class of 2023 as the No. Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. 27. How much did Tommy Thompson weigh when playing? Theres no tearing stuff down. Tommy Thompson has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. Thompson played one year of college soccer at Indiana University where he scored five goals and one assist in 12 matches and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2013, before signing a Homegrown Player contract with San Jose Earthquakes on March 14, 2014.. Thompson made his professional debut on June 7, 2014 as an 89th-minute substitute in a 0-1 loss to Toronto FC. Bowie High School Football Search. Matt Jackson High School Teacher/ Head Men's Basketball & Cross Country Coach. That winter also is when I personally started to make my first close observations of Thompsons abilities. 7 recruits played at Thompson. I think you get the inspiration, its like an injection of energy. But that foundation is there. You could have one bad game, and you kind of, like, judge yourself, and you ask yourself, Is this really what I want to do?, It would bring my confidence down. In his third season, the results started to show. A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. Brown, Newsome announces retirement as coach, C. JEMAL HORTON COLUMN: A Vikings program thats been great the past 2 years looks ready to take next step, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, A Pig Deal: Cannon Ballers changing the name, Cabarrus Sheriffs Office makes major drug bust with cocaine, fentanyl, cash seized, Bojangles offering fish sandwich during Lent, Concord man sentenced to 10 years for fentanyl and firearm offenses, Elizabeth Holmes gives birth to second child while seeking to further delay imprisonment, BOYS BASKETBALL: Ball doesnt bounce Concord Academys way in NCISAA 3A finals defeat to Greensboro Day, WeBuild buys historic Concord church for affordable housing, mixed use, Friday Five: New brewery, downtown streetscape and Barber-Scotia update. Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. The Bessemer Academy and Alabama graduate has coached 16 seasons of high school football in Alabama and his teams have played for the state championship in eight of those. Ronald H. Thompson (born c. 1944) is a former American football coach. 258 Following. Football Coach jobs Tennis Coach jobs Camp Director jobs Head Football Coach jobs . You couldnt really see it, unless you had Phyllis Anns keen eyes. (Photo of Jeremiah Alexander: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). 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.
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