By William C. Singleton III Thirty-five Hoover High seniors signed letters of intent on Feb. 1, marking the largest number of student signings during a school-sponsored Athletic Signing Day ceremony. “We had 32 a few years ago, but I believe this is the largest signing day we’ve ever been a part of,” said Andy Urban, Hoover High athletic director. Hoover students signed … [Read more...]
Surpassing Expectations: Polls Reflect Another Strong Year for OTM Basketball
By Lee Davis Do you think it’s just another routine year for Over the Mountain basketball? If you do, it might be a good idea to take another look. Spain Park’s stunning 66-62 upset of Mountain Brook in boys play last week is a sign that something special may be brewing. The Jags’ win not only ended the Spartans’ amazing 38-game home winning streak, but also offered evidence … [Read more...]
Hoover’s Taylor Leads All-OTM Football Team; Lions’ Yancey Named Top Coach
By Lee Davis Any advocates of the idea that the Hoover Bucs’ longtime domination of high school football in Alabama is waning will have to come up with some fresh arguments this winter. The Bucs’ 17-7 win over defending Class 7A champion McGill-Toolen last December gave Coach Josh Niblett’s team its fourth state crown in five years and the school its 10th title in the 21st … [Read more...]
Defensive Posture: Stout Defense Brings Hoover Another State Title
By Lee Davis During its amazing run through the 21st century, Hoover has found a way to win 10 state football championships. But perhaps the program has never won a title quite the way it did in 2016. Hoover’s offense was good, averaging 29 points a game, but nothing quite approaching the spectacular scoring machines directed by former coach Rush Propst a decade ago. The … [Read more...]
All in the Family: Third-Generation Dancer Plays Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairy
By June MathewsMost little girls only dream of wearing a pink tutu and dancing with a handsome prince. But for the upcoming production of Birmingham Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” that fanciful scenario is Katherine Free’s reality. A 17-year-old senior at Hoover High School, Katherine danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the queen of the Kingdom of Sweets, this … [Read more...]