By Rubin E. GrantAfter nine years as Hoover High School’s athletic director, Andy Urban decided it was time for a change.But he’s not leaving the area to make that change. He’s moving to Mountain Brook to become the Spartans’ next athletic director.The Mountain Brook Schools Board of Education approved Urban on April 5 as the successor to Benny Eaves, who had served … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantSpain Park baseball coach Will Smith decided his team needed a challenge for the first two months of this season, especially since the Jaguars had 12 seniors and seven returning starters from their 2022 team.“I knew we had an experienced group coming back, so by design I made the schedule as challenging and as difficult as it could get because, come … [Read more...]

By Josh BeanHomewood senior Adele Brandrup understands the influence she can have on others.A record-setting swimmer, she was born with Charge syndrome, a complex and rare condition that often causes vision and hearing difficulties, heart defects, struggles with breathing and balance, and other wide-ranging issues.For Adele, she was born deaf and essentially has no … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantJackson Harris doesn’t mind that he can’t escape his father’s shadow. He prefers it that way.Harris, a senior first baseman/pitcher, plays on the Vestavia Hills baseball team that his dad, Jamie Harris, coaches. “I love it,” Jackson Harris said. “I know some people see it as a challenge, but I can’t imagine playing for anybody else, especially … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantShay Hammonds wanted her sons to learn the value of volunteering while they were growing up, so she tried to become involved with the Moody Miracle League near Leeds.But whenever Hammonds contacted the Moody league about her and her boys volunteering, she was told they already had enough volunteers.So Hammonds decided to form a Miracle League in … [Read more...]