Haley Lewter

Here is an article about a former AHS student. We are very proud of Haley. Click here for the article.

Writer's Block

I was reminded recently that I had not posted anything on the blog is a while and I responded that I was having a little case of writer’s block. I have posted the newsletter from the Alabama State Department of Education, but my goal this year was to post more original articles than in previous years. I have sat down a couple of times to write something for the blog and just couldn’t think of anything to write about that pertained to school that might be of interest to parents, and supporters of Ardmore High School. I have always thought better to not write anything than to write something bad, but a blog really isn’t much good for anything is there aren’t articles to post.

I write a weekly newsletter and put on our website called, “Hunter’s Highlights” where I try and highlight the great things taking place at the school. We have great teachers and students and everyone needs a little recognition sometimes to help the day go better. I also e-mail the newsletter to those who sign up for e-mail notifications through our school website. If you would like to receive these e-mails go to the website and click on “Notify Me” and sign up.

It is hard to believe we have officially ended the first nine weeks of school. Obviously this means the school year is a quarter of the way complete. The year always begins with high expectations and excitement and sometimes by the end of the first nine weeks those things have faded, but this year has been a great year and excitement still abounds. Our students and teachers still seemed excited about the things taking place at school and there seems to be a higher sense of school spirit this year and we certainly hope the trend continues.

Our students have been collecting “Box tops for education” this year in an attempt to win the right to wear their favorite Halloween costume to school. Our goal for this great fundraiser was $1000 and it appears we will make the goal. We also challenged students to raise $2000 and the administrators would wear their costumes, but it doesn’t look like we are going to reach that goal. The boxtops are a great fundraiser because it doesn’t require anyone to buy anything other than what they are already purchasing for their homes. Boxtops are available now on many different types of products and a complete list can be found by searching “Boxtops for education” on the internet.

ALSDE Newsletter

Click here for the October Newsletter from the Alabama State Department of Education.

Principal's Reflection

I have been fortunate to present for the Alabama Learning Exchange the past year. It is great to be able to learn from educators around the state. My presentations have centered around educational technology and I come in contact with many educators across the state. I am always reminded of how fortunate I am to work with the wonderful students, and staff at Ardmore High School.

I have worked in several school systems and I can honestly say students at Ardmore have great teachers and educational opportunities. Of course we still have areas we are wanting to improve but I love our school and am proud to say I work at Ardmore. Parents and community are vitally important to schools and we are blessed to have great support here at Ardmore. We live in a great town and it is truly "Great to be an Ardmore Tiger."

State Department Newsletter

Here is the latest newsletter from the Alabama State Department of Education. Click here or visit www.alsde.edu

Decatur Daily Article

Here is an article that appeared in the Decatur Daily about our football program.

Somewhere, Eugene Cooper is smiling.

On the field that bears his name, football magic has returned.

Suddenly, Ardmore is a football team trending upward. Under first-year coach Clint Legg, the Tigers are enjoying a turnaround season, surprising fans and foes, alike, at every bend.

For the first time since 1969, Ardmore heads into Week 4 unbeaten. And now, in a town that hasn’t celebrated a postseason team in seven seasons, the talk has shifted from playoff possibilities to something much bigger:

The chance of contending for a region title.

Ardmore (3-0, 2-0 in Class 4A, Region 7) travels to Randolph (2-1, 1-1) on Friday.

“Since practice started, we have improved,” Legg said. “But at the same time, we’ve also got a lot of room for improvement. No one around here can afford to get complacent, because we’ve only played three games, so there’s still a lot of football to be played.

An old-school statement from an old-school coach. Once again, Cooper has to be smiling.

In Cooper’s day, Ardmore perennially fielded teams that contended for league titles.

The former Tigers coach, who was inducted into the Limestone County and Alabama High School Athletic Association halls of fame, amassed a 151-49 record from 1948-1973 while winning two mythical state titles (1958 and 1961).

Just three games into the season, no one can say Ardmore is on the verge of matching its glory days. But one thing is clear: The Tigers are improving. Since making their last playoff appearance in 2006 with an 8-3 record, last season’s 5-5 mark was the first time the Tigers did not finish with a losing record. In the past 30 seasons, Ardmore averaged only 2.83 wins.

Ardmore is enjoying this turnaround by referencing a few chapters from yesteryear. With Legg at the helm, old-school football is the way.

The offense is built around downhill, power running, and the players believe games are won with physical, pad-thumping defense.

Big, loud and proud: Ardmore’s players have latched on to Legg’s coaching personality.

They’ve taken that identity onto the field, grinding out wins while gaining confidence with each week.

Last week, Ardmore’s 36-34 overtime win against North Jackson was the program’s first-ever against the Chiefs — a perennial Class 4A power that’s usually paired by the AHSAA in the Tigers’ region.

Was that a significant moment? Perhaps, especially in this season’s Region 7 playoff race. But Legg is not celebrating, and he is steering the Tigers in the same direction.

“We’re not talking about any of that stuff,” Legg said. “We haven’t won anything yet. One game, one week at a time. That’s the mindset our players have to maintain if they want to have a shot at achieving their goals.”

Ardmore’s strong start should not surprise the program’s loyal fans. All the pieces for a turnaround are in place.

Legg’s football philosophy is a tough, physical brand, and the Tigers’ roster is filled with players who fit that bill.

Ardmore has at least four running backs who are suited for Legg’s downhill, power scheme, and Hayden Durrett is arguably the area’s best pure tight end. The 6-foot and 215-pound senior is athletic with a big, muscular frame, and his soft hands make him a big-play threat in the Tigers’ passing game.

Quarterback Garrett Miller also has been a major factor. The junior, a third-year starter, is emerging as an accurate passer who is clutch under pressure. Miller has passed for about 400 yards, including a 2-point conversion pass to Durrett in overtime that secured the win against North Jackson.

“These kids have worked hard,” Legg said. “They came in here and made a commitment, and they’ve stuck with it. That’s why they’re seeing results.”

Movers and shakers

For area football teams, there was some movement this week on the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s prep football polls.

Visit

Our 6th grade students are studying weather and were visited by Channel 31's Meteorologist, Spencer Denton today. Mr. Denton was gracious enough to come and speak with our students. Parents you can watch Channel 31 tonight for some possible pictures of our students.