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PAGE 3B August 2026
Jason Presley named assistant GSCC women's basketball coach
Gadsden State Community College has named Jason Presley as assistant coach for the women’s basketball program. Presley brings nearly three decades of coaching experience to Gadsden State, including successful roles at Gaston, Geraldine, and Hokes Bluff. Throughout his coaching career, he has helped build competitive programs while emphasizing character, accountability, and team culture. "We are excited to welcome Coach Presley to the women’s basketball family," said head women's basketball coach Eddy Norris. "His experience, leadership and commitment to developing student- athletes make him a great addition to our program as we continue building toward the future." Presley's coaching journey began in 1996 as the junior varsity boy's basketball coach at Gaston High School. At age 26, he became the school's varsity boys coach and compiled a 91-65 record over six seasons. During that time, his teams won two Etowah County championships, two area championships, a regional championship, and advanced to the Final Four. Following his success at Gaston, Presley coached one season at Geraldine High School, where his team finished 19-9. He later spent 10 years at Hokes Bluff Middle School before becoming the varsity boys coach at Hokes Bluff High School, compiling a 59-25
to those experiences as we continue building the Gadsden State women's program." His coaching draw from philosophy centers on using basketball as a tool for personal growth. "My basketball coaching philosophy is to use basketball as a tool to promote character, lasting accountability, and team culture that builds habits that impact the lives of young people for years to come," Presley said. He expects players to maintain high standards both on and off the court. "I have always told my players, 'What you do one time is what you do all the time,'" Presley said. "That means giving as much effort to the smallest detail as you would the largest." Presley said he is excited about the potential of the current women’s basketball roster and the opportunity to contribute to the program's continued growth. "I have met all the players, and I'm impressed with the group as a whole," he said. "With Coach Norris's vision, I hope we can add to the successes of last year." When not coaching, Presley enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. "I am grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the women’s basketball program and the Cardinal family as a whole," Presley said. "With Coach Norris's direction, we plan on building a program that the entire community will support and take pride in."
Photo Courtesy of NACC
Etowah County Football NACC SOCCER - Rafa Juarez Bautista (29) works to control possession during NACC’s exhibition match on August 10, 2026. NACC, which is entering its second season of men's soccer, dropped a 2-1 decision to the academy team of the United Soccer League's Chattanooga Red Wolves organization. The Mustangs have two more exhibition games before opening the regular season against Holmes (Mississippi) Community College on August 21 at 4 p.m. It will be NACC's first official regular-season home game at Mustang Soccer Field.
Jason Presley
record in three seasons with an area championship and two Etowah County runner-up finishes. For the past three years, Presley stepped away from coaching to watch his son, Jordan Presley, compete at the collegiate level. Presley said his long- standing relationship with Norris and belief in the direction of the women’s basketball program drew him to Gadsden State. "Coach Norris and I developed a strong relationship competing against one another for many years," Presley said. "My respect for Coach Norris and his commitment to revamping the women's program influenced my decision to be a part of the culture he is building for the program's future." Presley said his previous experiences rebuilding programs have prepared him well for his new role. "I have been involved in rebuilding basketball programs and helping establish a basketball culture," he said. "I hope
COOSA CHRISTIAN The Coosa Christian football program is coming off of one of the best years in program history, after winning the Class 2A State Championship last fall. The program, under the direction of first year head Coach Alaric Williams, will be looking for back-2-back state titles this year. That quest begins this month. The Conquerors open the season with a home game against Pierce County, GA on August 21. The program's first road test of the season will be at Alexandria on August 28. ETOWAH After a disappointing 1-9 season last fall, the Etowah football program has higher expectations this season. The Blue Devils will be under the direction of first year head coach Davin Hawkins. The program has also moved down a classification, going from Class 4A last year to Class 3A in 2026. GADSDEN CITY Playing in the state's largest classification will be challenging for the Gadsden City Titans this fall. However, coach Ali Smith says his players understand that there are no weeks off, and that they must play at a high level each week this season. Last year, Gadsden City finished with an 8-4 record and reached the second round of the state playoffs. Despite a tough schedule in Class 6A Region 8 this fall, the Titans believe they have a chance at another playoff season. Gadsden opens the season against Oxford on Aug. 21. Region action starts on Sept. 4 against Sparkman.
GASTON Second year Gaston head football coach Randy Dupree believes he is helping build a new culture for his program. He started with the foundation during his initial season at the helm of the program last fall and likes the direction his program is headed in. Dupree said during the recent county media day that his players have really bought in and are trusting the process. Gaston opens the 2026 season at Spring Garden on August 21. GLENCOE The Glencoe football team, under the leadership of first year head coach BJ. Brooks, is hoping for a return trip to the state playoffs, after falling in the first round a year ago. The 2025 program finished with a 7-4 record and had a perfect 5-0 home record. Glencoe will kickoff the 2026 season at Hayden on Aug. 21. The Yellowjackets will be looking to defend its home winning streak when Class 3A Region 6 action opens against Susan Moore on September 4. HOKES BLUFF With 13 seniors, and a good group of younger players, the Hokes Bluff football team expects to be competitive in Class 3A Region 6 this year. The Eagles moved down from Class 4A last season. Hokes Bluff is led by Michael Robertson, who is in his 31st season as head coach. SARDIS The Sardis Lions are under the direction of first year head Coach Wes Tidwell. Sardis moved down from Class 5A to 4A.
SOUTHSIDE With only three wins last fall, the Southside Panthers are hoping for better results on the gridiron this year. The Panthers, led by Coach Miles Holcomb, will be competing in Class 5A Region 6. The Panthers were in Class 6A last year. Following games against Chelsea (August 21) and Hokes Bluff (August 27), Southside will open region play at Clay-Chalkville on September 11, 2026. WESTBROOK CHRISTIAN In high school football, experience and leadership can play a big role on any team. Westbrook Christian head coach Steve Smith has high expectations for his 2026 program. The Warriors have depth with over 50 players on the roster, which also includes 18 seniors. Combine the numbers with a program that set a record last year scoring 507 points, and it leads to a team that could be successful this year. Westbrook Christian's first game is at Ashville on August 28. The Warriors begin region action with a home game against Mars Hill on September 4. Other key games include Oneonta on Sept. 25 and the season finale at Fyffe on Oct. 30. WEST END The West End Patriots are under the direction of third year head coach Matt Harris. The program will be competing in Class 2A Region 6. West End opens the season on August 21 against Cedar Bluff. Region action begins on Sept. 4 at Gaston.
The Travis and Jane James Estate Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10 A.M.
Auction Site On location at 306 Griffith Street Centre, Alabama
• Exceptional opportunity to purchase one of the area’s most distinctive country estates. This remarkable custom-built home contains approximately 6,500± sq ft of total living space. It was originally constructed in 1973 by Dr. John Adams and was purchased by the James family in 1976. • The architectural inspiration for this residence came from an elegant home located across from the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta, Georgia. • The main home offers a spacious 5,000± sq ft including four bedrooms, three and one-half baths, a welcoming foyer, formal living room, formal dining room, breakfast room, large family room, sunroom, den, second kitchen, laundry room, and an expansive primary suite. The home features a distinctive gambrel roof with wood shingle roofing, showcasing timeless craftsmanship and character throughout. • Adding to the property’s versatility is a separate apartment of 1,500± square feet located above the garage featuring two bedrooms and one full bath, making it ideal for guests, extended family, or rental potential. • Outdoor amenities include an in-ground swimming pool, a barn, mature muscadine vines, and approximately 16± beautiful acres. • The property will be offered in four individual tracts, giving you the flexibility to purchase a single tract or multiple tracts, subject to the auction terms. • Whether you are looking for a spacious family estate, investment opportunity, or a unique property with outstanding potential, this auction presents a rare chance to own a truly one-of-a-kind residence with a rich history and exceptional setting. • All properties are being sold “AS IS” without any warranties, guarantees, or promises.
Visit www.swaffordauctiongroup.com for more information, pictures, and terms.
1445 Clarence E. Chestnut Jr. Bypass, Centre, AL 35960 Phone: 256.927.8900 | Toll Free: 877.222.5720 R. Shane Swafford, ASL#1589 GANR#2635 www.swaffordauctiongroup.com
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