AHSAA 2025 ‘Making a Difference’ Awards SPORTS LEDGER June 2025 E-Edition Read Free Online at www.TheSportsLedger.com Page 5 The
a coach, teacher, or administrator to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. This year’s recipients include one school system superintendent, one track and field coach, one tennis coach, one girls’ basketball coach, two assistant coaches, and for the first time, a husband and wife duo who have served in various capacities from cheerleader sponsor to team statisticians for half a century. “The recipients in this 2025 Making a Difference class are excellent examples of men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving students with positive reinforcement, kindness and compassion,” said AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon. “They take their positions as role models for their students, faculty, and community very seriously and have shown exceptional leadership and determination in the challenges each has faced. These individuals have had spent their entire teaching, coaching and administrative careers making a major positive impact in their communities and schools across the state and are excellent examples of what this award stands for. “ Harmon adds, “Qualities considered for this prestigious award include the recipient’s character, integrity, determination, sacrifice and service, all of which have enabled them to have a life-changing impact on the students, school and communities which they serve.” Harmon said this special award also exemplifies what the AHSAA’s true mission is all about and personifies why education-based athletics are so important. Plainview High School’s Bill and Judy Ayers, this year’s Class 4A co-recipients, have embraced that mission for more than 50 years. Described by Plainview High School girls’ basketball coach Luke Griggs as “the most well- known and most beloved couple in Rainsville whose value to the school, its athletic programs and community cannot be understated.” Judy Ayers has served the DeKalb County School System for 53 years as a Plainview High School faculty member. Her roles have included various capacities ranging from classroom English teacher, cheerleader sponsor and librarian – which she has served for the past 40 years. Bill Ayers served as a teacher and administrator, retiring from Plainview High School in 2008 with 32 years of service. He and his wife have continued to be the school’s basketball team statisticians – working from the bleachers – for more than 40 years. During that time, they helped document Plainview’s basketball program’s 3-point shooting records that are noted throughout the AHSAA Record Book and the NFHS National Record Book, “The things that I do for Plainview are the things that I believe in and things that I enjoy doing,” said Bill Ayers. “These things can be sports related, but they do not have to be sports related. I am a part of many events at Plainview High School. As I grew up, my parents taught me to help others. I helped neighbors with various tasks from working in a chicken house, weeding, and harvesting gardens, mowing yards, or pumping gasoline at a nearby service station. Helping others was something I did as an everyday experience. “When Terry Mitchell asked me to help him by keeping basketball stats and records in the 1970’s, I said yes. He and I devised a system which I still use today for basketball stats after 48 years. Later on, I was asked to keep football stats by Coach (Dale) Pruitt, and I stayed on the sidelines for many years. “The greatest gift for doing the stats is watching the players’ faces when I read the stats to the coaches and players at half-time. Also, seeing the athletes years later
Six individuals – and for the first time in the program’s history, one couple, – have been selected as the 2025 Making a Difference Award recipients by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA). All were nominated and selected for their impact as exemplary role models in their schools and communities where they serve. One recipient from each of the AHSAA’s seven classifications was selected from approximately 75 nominations submitted by AHSAA member schools and other support organizations or individuals. This year’s recipients are: • CLASS 1A: JOHNNY ‘CAL’ YOUNG: A former Brantley High School student who has provided his alma mater exemplary service as an assistant coach over the last 30 years for virtually every athletic program at Brantley High School – including boys’ and girls’ basketball, softball, baseball, and football. • CLASS 2A: DALE CARRELL: A veteran track and field coach at Westminster of Oak Mountain School who has set an example of faith and courage through his long- time service and impact as a teacher, administrator and coach for the Christian school located in Shelby County. • CLASS 3A: HALEIGH WOODARD WILLIAMS: Lauderdale County High School’s tennis coach – who has built the girls’ program into the top Class 1A-3A program in the state while making a major impact on the lives of the student-athletes in her amazing tennis program and classroom. • CLASS 4A: WILLIAM ‘BILL’ AND JUDY AYERS: The first couple to be selected as a Making a Difference recipient in the AHSAA program’s 15-year program, the Ayers have served Plainview High School’s students and coaches for more than 50 years. Mrs. Ayers, the school librarian, just completed her 53rd year, and her husband, has continued to serve as the athletic department’s team statistician for more than 50 years. • CLASS 5A: CEDRIC BLAIR: The offensive line coach for Ramsay High School’s football team, Blair has served at various other Birmingham City Schools as well – earning the reputation of being not only an outstanding line coach but a molder of young men through his own example of service and dedication. • CLASS 6A: Dr. ANN JACKSON: The Superintendent of Jasper City Schools since 2014 has molded the Jasper City School System into one of the finest in the nation – and has implemented an education-based athletic program that has become a model of excellence. • CLASS 7A: ERICA DUBOIS: The former Prattville High School basketball star returned to her alma mater where she has become one of the most respected teachers and basketball coaches in the AHSAA. This year’s class was announced by AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon. Each honoree will be recognized at the 2025 AHSAA Summer Conference Championship Coaches’ Awards Banquet, which will be held Thursday night, July 24, at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center at 6 p.m. The Making a Difference Award was established in 2011 by then AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese in conjunction with the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association (AHSADCA) to recognize individuals who go beyond their normal duties as
Jax State Football To Have Five Nationally Televised Games This year’s Making a Difference Class brings the total recognized in the AHSAA “Making a Difference” program to 101 since the first class of recipients in 2011. and they come up and give us a hug or ask how we are doing, is a big reward for both me and Judy. This is what I call “BEAR PRIDE”! I have been a Plainview Bear since I began school at Plainview in the second grade and plan to remain a part of Plainview in coming years.” Judy Ayers echoes her husband’s sentiments. “My life- long association with Plainview High School and its students began humbly in 1972 when I was hired to teach science and history, neither of which was my secondary education major. Four years later, the principal asked me to work with the varsity cheerleaders long enough for him to find someone who wanted that responsibility. Twenty-five years passed without that person coming forth,” she said with a smile. “In the meantime, I learned about cheerleading, Bill became a teacher at Plainview, and we both became invested in the lives of the students at Plainview. We saw that students needed direction, support, respect, and appreciation for their interests, their talents, and their hard work. We had the time, energy, and love for giving all of that…AND IT WAS FUN!“ She adds, “Over my 53 years at Plainview, I have worked with many students in various capacities including coaching cheerleading, keeping basketball stats, coordinating graduation ceremonies, advising student publications, sponsoring proms and plays, encouraging a love for reading, and teaching oral and written ELA skills. These activities have given and continue to give me the chance to see students reach personal goals, achieve what seemed impossible to them, expand their worlds, be their best, and receive recognition for their work.” Submitted Photo Plainview's Bill and Judy Ayers are the first couple to be selected as a Making a Difference Award recipient in the 15-year history of the AHSAA program.
Lady Parsons Place in Top 10 at NJCAA Women’s Golf Nationals
The Snead State Community College’s Women’s Golf Team capped off the 2025 season with a Top 10 team finish at the NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship, held May 13–16 at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone, Iowa. The Lady Parsons finished 10th overall, posting a four- round team total of +245. The team’s round-by-round scores were 45-over in Round 1, 55-over in Round 2, 82-over in Round 3, and 63-over in the final round. Team members include Marlee Hedgepeth of Alexandria, Ashley Nelson of Lake City, Fla., Kyleigh Gibson of Smiths Station, and Rachel Gattis of Jacksonville. Sophomore Ashley Nelson led the charge for Snead State, finishing third individually at +24. Her scores of 73, 78, 86, and 75 earned her a spot on the NJCAA First Team All-American. “Ashley showed tremendous poise and competitiveness throughout the tournament,” said Head Coach Shane Marshall. “To place third in the nation and earn All- American honors is a phenomenal accomplishment.” Nelson’s performance helped anchor a team that stood among the best in the country. Top teams included Shelton State Community College, which captured the national title, Mesa Community College, Iowa Central Community College, and Murray State College of Oklahoma. Snead State Athletic Director Casey Underwood said, “To finish in the top 10 nationally and have an All-American athlete is a major accomplishment. Coach Marshall and the players have raised the bar for our program.” Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore praised the team for representing the college with pride. “This is a proud moment for our program and the College. The team has brought national recognition to Snead State, and we couldn’t be more excited about their future.”
Five Jax State football games have been selected for national television by the league's broadcast partners of CBS Sports Network and ESPN. The Gamecocks had a program record 10 contests appear on national television during the 2024 season, breaking the previous best of eight during its FBS debut season of 2023 which saw eight games broadcast. The home opener against Liberty on September 6 will kick off at 11 a.m. Central on CBS Sports Network. The Gamecocks will also play on CBS Sports when they play at Sam Houston on October 9 at 7 p.m. Central, and when they travel to FIU on November 22 at 2:30 p.m. Central. Six Jax State games were on CBS Sports Network last year, including the Conference USA Championship.
The two Wednesday against Delaware on October 15 (6 p.m. Central) and at Middle Tennessee on October 29 (6:30 p.m. Central) will both air on ESPN2. Home games against Murray State on September 20, Kennesaw State on November 15, and Western Kentucky on November 29, along with the game at UTEP on November 8 were selected for ESPN Platforms and are therefore subject to the 12-day selection window. All kick times are subject to change based upon television placement. Additional road games may be selected for broadcast through night contests the opponents' television agreements which will be announced at later dates. The 2025 Conference USA Championship game will air on CBS Sports Network on Friday, December 5 at 6 p.m. Central.
Submitted Photo The Snead State Community College’s Women’s Golf Team earned a Top 10 team finish at the NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship. Pictured, from left, are team members Marlee Hedgepeth of Alexandria, Ashley Nelson of Lake City, FL, Kyleigh Gibson of Smiths Station, and Rachel Gattis of Jacksonville.
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