Legendary Coaches Face Their Most Difficult Enemy

Two well-known high school coaches in Alabama are battling cancer till the end of their lives.

In October, Barry Hightower, the baseball coach for Mary G. Montgomery, was diagnosed. Assistant Cullen Wacker has taken over as the Vikings' leader in his absence. Coach Kyle Hunter and the Fairhope baseball team are organizing a special "Strikeout Cancer" event this Saturday in an effort to unite the community around Hightower.

While Fairhope will play Enterprise at 4:30 p.m. and Bartlett, Tenn., at 2 p.m., MGM will play Enterprise at 9 a.m. and Demopolis at 11:30 a.m. If you are on the Eastern Shore, think about dropping by to watch some excellent baseball and help a worthy cause. Donations at the gate will go toward Hightower's battle. Many thanks to Hunter and Fairhope for putting this event together.

Hugh Fountain, the head football coach of W.S. Neal, received cancer treatment this week at M.D. Anderson in Houston. With a strong social media post that said, "In a powerful moment, the sun shone brightly over our children and our school, reminding us that hope and strength are always with us," his pupils' support was overwhelming.

Indeed, hope is a great force. I am aware that a lot of you are already praying for and thinking about these men. According to Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you hope and a future, plans to prosper you and not harm you."

Quinan Williams: A Legend in the Community and on the Field

Quinan Williams, a former Alabama standout and current New York Jets player, is still giving back to his hometown of Birmingham and making an impact off the field.

The defensive tackle honored Birmingham police officers with lunch last week, a custom he maintains every year as a thank you for their service.

Before starting an outstanding NFL career, Williams, a four-star prospect from Wenonah High School, won the 2018 Outland Trophy at Alabama. He is a three-time Pro Bowler who has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the game with 290 tackles and 39 sacks to date.

Seeing athletes use their platform to improve their communities is always admirable. Quinnen, continue to represent Birmingham with pride!

That concludes the high school athletics week. These tales, which range from championship finals to valiant conflicts and heartwarming acts of kindness, serve as a reminder that sports are more than simply games; they unite people. I will see you next week!