Hoover High celebrates 2013-2014 state titles
On April 3, Hoover High School faculty and students gathered to celebrate the school’s recent championship athletes.
During a program held in the gymnasium, Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Executive Director Steve Savarese presented five State Championship awards. Official trophies were handed out to the Varsity Boys and Girls Indoor Track Teams and the Varsity Football team.
The AHSAA also recognized HHS’ wrestling state champions Alec Shunnarah and Jackson Hall. In February, Shunnarah won the individual title in the 195-pound class, and Hall won in the 138-pound class.
Savarese thanked the school’s parents, administrators and fans for their commitment to excellence and for their dedication and enthusiasm to their teams.
“This year, when Hoover High School played in the football state championship, it was raining, it was cold and it was miserable,” he said. “And nobody wanted to be there except Hoover High School.
Head Football Coach Josh Niblett commended his senior class for doing “everything I asked of them and everything any coach could ask of them” this season. Niblett said the team set three precedents for future Buccanners to aspire to during the year — the longest winning streak in the history of the school (30-0), back-to-back 15-0 state championship seasons, and national championship recognition from the Football Writers of America.
HHS Track Coach Devon hind said his teams stayed on target despite obstacles between them and their 2013-2014 titles.
“We ran into some real difficult situations this indoor season, and we overcame because we kept our focus,” Hind said. “All that hard work we put in during the months of preparation paid off when it really mattered.”
Athletic Director Myra Miles also recognized the Hoover’s Girls 4x55 Meter Shuttle Hurdle team that competed in the New Balance Nationals Indoor Track Competition in March. With a 31.35 time in the relay, the team of Brittley Humphrey, Errin Perry, Caitlyn Little and Sarah Sanford set a national record.
Hind said he believes they are the first track athletes from the state to set a national record.