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Guntersville Football Coach Lance Reese Retires
One of the most impactful coaching tenures in the history of Guntersville High School and Marshall County is coming to a close, as Wildcats Head Football Coach Lance Reese is retiring. Coach Reese leaves the sidelines as the all-time winningest football coach in Guntersville and Marshall County history, compiling an impressive 137-46 record over 16 seasons as head coach of the Wildcats. His success on the field is a reflection of the consistency, discipline, and high expectations that have defined his program year after year. Beyond the numbers, Coach Reese’s legacy is rooted in his 35 years of service to Guntersville City Schools. Over the course of three and a half decades, he has invested in generations of students, not only as a coach, but as a mentor, role model, and steady presence in their lives. His influence reaches far beyond Friday nights, shaping young men into leaders, teammates, and members of the community. During his time leading the Wildcats, Coach Reese built a program that the Guntersville community could take pride in. His teams were known for their toughness, preparation, and the way they carried themselves both on and off the field. More importantly, his players were known for their character. Those who have worked alongside Coach Reese know the commitment and care he brought to the job every day. From early mornings in the weight room to late nights on the practice field, he consistently put in the time and effort to give his players every opportunity to succeed. His dedication to Guntersville City Schools and its students has been unwavering. The Snead State Community College Fishing Team continues to make waves on the national stage, as two of its anglers have climbed to the top of the country in collegiate competition. The duo of Mason George of Albertville and Walker Griffith of Ashville finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Southern Collegiate Open Angler of the Year standings, placing them ahead of competitors from colleges and universities across the United States. The top ranking follows a strong performance at the recent Southern Collegiate Bass Open Series tournament held March 13 on Lake Martin, where George and Griffith finished sixth overall in a highly competitive field. Teammates Caron Floyd and Jarred Bodine, both of Guntersville, also contributed to the team’s success with an 11th-place finish in the same tournament. Collegiate bass fishing has grown to include more than 600 teams participating across multiple major tournament circuits. Rankings such as Angler of the Year standings are considered a key benchmark in the sport, rewarding consistent high finishes against large fields and helping determine the nation’s most successful anglers over the course of a season. “This ranking is a big deal because it reflects consistency at a national level,” said team sponsor Dr. Tom Warren. “These anglers are competing against some of the best collegiate fishermen in the country, and to be No. 1 shows the level of dedication and skill they bring to every tournament.” George credited preparation and teamwork for the pair’s success. “We’ve put in a lot of time on the water, and it’s paying off. Being ranked No. 1 is exciting, but we’re focused on keeping that momentum going.” “It means a lot to see our hard work recognized,” Griffith said. “We’re proud to represent Snead State and compete at this level.”
Guntersville Football Coach Lance Reese Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger While his retirement marks the end of an era for Guntersville football, the foundation he leaves behind is strong. The expectations, standards, and pride he established will continue to be a part of the program for years to come. Guntersville City Schools extends its sincere appreciation to Coach Reese for his years of service, his leadership, and the lasting impact he has made on this community. His contributions to Guntersville High School and to the countless student-athletes he has coached will not be forgotten. As of press time, Guntersville had not selected a replacement for the Coach Reese. Please continue to read the newspaper and follow The Sport Ledger's social media accounts for more information when it becomes available.
UA Photo
The University of Alabama men’s basketball season came to an end on Friday, March 27, 2026 as the Crimson Tide fell to No. 1 seed Michigan, 90-77, in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. Alabama finished the 2025-26 season with a 25- 10 overall record and set school records with four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances and a fourth straight 25-win season. “First off, I have to give Michigan a lot of credit. There’s a reason why they’re a one-seed. They’re big, strong, athletic and physical," said Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats. "I thought our guys did a great job of being up two (at halftime), and the way we closed the first half, but the start of the second half wasn’t what we were looking for. Michigan imposed their will at the start of the second half. I give their coach and players a lot of credit." Yaxel Lendenborg led Michigan (34-3) with double- double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. He also had seven assists. Three other Wolverine players reached double figures in win over Alabama. Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney had 17 points each. Roddy Gayle, Jr. scored 16 points. Labaron Philon Jr. led Alabama with a career-high tying 35 points. He also had seven rebounds and four assists. With his 35 points Philon finished the year with 725 points to become just the third Alabama player in school history to 700 or more points in a single season. Crimson Tide teammate's Latrell Wrightsell Jr. scored 15 points and Aiden Sherrell added 10 points. Sherrell had one block, which gave him 76 on the season, which ties for seventh all-time at Alabama. “I will say this, the guys that I coach have been one of the more enjoyable groups I’ve ever coached in my life. We had no locker room issues or attitude issues. The leadership has been great all year. I love these guys, and it’s disappointing to lose, but the most disappointing thing is that I don’t get to coach this group again. The adversity they have faced and their response to it and how they have handled things, I will be using these guys as examples of how to do things the right way for a long time," added Coach Oats Sardis duo to play football at Lindsey Wilson Alabama guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (3) in action against Michigan. Alabama falls in NCAA Sweet 16 Sardis High School teammates Grant Coe and Levi Martin have committed to play football at Lindsey Wilson University, which is located in Columbia, Kentucky. The Sardis standouts are joining a program that finished the 2025 season with a 10-2 overall record. Last fall Lindsey Wilson's program averaged just over 40 points per game. The Blue Raider's were led by Quarterback Rice Tate, who passed for 2,484 yards and 29 touchdowns. Martin, who was 2025 1st team All-State selection, and Coe have the opportunity to help the program earn back-to-back 10 win seasons. The Blue Raiders will kickoff the 2026 season on August 26 against Reinhardt University. This past fall Martin and Coe were a big part of the Lions football program, which finished 1-9 overall. Sardis looks to improve upon the overall record this fall under the direction of first year head coach Wes Tidwell. The Lions open the season on August 21 at West End. By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger
SSCC Fishing Team Anglers Rank No. 1 in the Nation
Submitted Photos
SSCC Fishing Team duo Mason George, of Albertville, and Walker Griffith, of Ashville, are currently ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Southern Collegiate Open Angler of the Year standings. The duo finished sixth overall in the Southern Collegiate Bass Open Series tournament at Lake Martin.
Snead State Community College Fishing Team members Caron Floyd and Jarred Bodine finished 11th place in the Southern Collegiate Bass Open Series tournament at Lake Martin.
Submitted Photo
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