After reviewing 32 applications and conducting nine interviews for the new varsity football coaching position at Belgreen High School, Franklin County Superintendent of Education Greg Hamilton made his hiring recommendation to the Franklin County Board of Education at its January 19th meeting. And, pardon the mixed sports metaphors, but Hamilton believes it's a home run hire.
The board approved hiring former University of Alabama quarterback Luke Tucker as the man to take the reins of the Bulldog varsity football program.
Last year, Franklin County Schools officials notified the Alabama High School Athletic Association of their intent to begin a football program in Fall 2023. Belgreen will start with the required two years of non-varsity competition before playing a region schedule beginning in 2025.
Last year, the Franklin County Board of Education approved a $1.5 million private donation to be used for construction of a stadium with track and field facilities along with football.
Florence-based Eagle Golf and Athletics, Inc., received the contract to construct the facility. The first phase will be completion of a track and practice field. Bleachers, a press box and field house will come in later phases, Hamilton said.
Work is underway on the project, with hopes of having it ready for use in the Fall of 2023.
The Belgreen stadium will benefit all county schools by providing a track and field facility capable of hosting track meets either for individual schools or regional or county events.
Belgreen is classified as a 1A school by the AHSAA. With last year's enrollment of 159 students from 9-12 grade, the school is the second smallest Franklin County high school, ahead of only Vina, with 94 students.
As anticipation grows for football to make its debut at Belgreen, Hamilton said he wanted to find the right fit of a coach with experience and the vision to embrace the challenge of starting a new program. And Hamilton says he's found both in Tucker.
Tucker served as varsity football coach at Dale County High School in Midland City, Al., the past two seasons. Tucker is the youngest son of Waldon Tucker, the Hall of Fame varsity football coach at Fayette County High School.
Tucker's brother Lance serves as head coach at Bartlett High School in Memphis. Luke served as defensive coordinator at Fayette County for seven years before taking the same post at Bartlett.
Tucker attended the University of Alabama where he was a reserve quarterback for the Crimson Tide. He later transferred to Auburn University Montgomery, where he played baseball and earned his Bachelor's degree. Tucker later earned his Master's degree from the University of West Alabama.
He and his wife Lori have two sons, Colton and Camden.
Commenting on this story has been disabled.
