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.

Attendance Newsletter

Here is some information from the Alabama State Department of Education concerning attendance. Click here for the information.

Alert Now Message

We have been asked by several parents to offer a season pass for our varsity football games. These passes are on sale in the front office for $30. This is the regular price for the tickets, but you will not need to stand in line to purchase tickets at the game. Season pass holders will use the pass gate located near the front ticket booth. The passes are on sale in the front office.

Auburn University Honor Band

Ardmore High School is very fortunate to have several students selected for the Auburn University Honor Band this past weekend. The students joined the Auburn University Band to perform at half-time and put on a great show. This is a huge honor for our students and we are extremely proud of them.

LInk To Pictures in Decatur Daily

Here is a link to a photo gallery on the Decatur Daily website.

Link To Education News

Here is a link to the newsletter published by the Alabama State Department of Education. Click here for the link.

Wise Choices

We have all heard the saying, “The new has worn off.” The phrase many times is used in a negative context meaning that drudgery taken the place of excitement. With a new school year the new also wears off, but that doesn't mean that the excitement must become a thing of the past. We have many activities during a school year which can keep the excitement alive for our students. Picture Day, Homecoming, ball games, and pep rallies are just a few of the activities which can help keep the excitement alive for a school. Boredom many time precedes unwise choices and we have many activities designed to relieve boredom so wise choices can be the rule of the day.