By Erik Harris, sports editor
TRUSSVILLE – Longtime Hewitt-Trussville High School cross country coaches David and Anita Dobbs capped off their careers last weekend at the AHSAA State Championship Meet.
The Huskies placed third as a team in the girls race, while the boys took fourth in the state in Class 7A. That marks the highest-ever finish for the Hewitt girls and best boys finish since 2011.
It was a perfect sendoff for David and Anita, who have led the program for 30 years.
“I’m so proud of the girls’ finish,” said Anita in a news release from Hewitt-Thussville athletics. “It’s the best in our history. They have worked hard all season toward this goal. The finishes were a great way to end our cross country coaching careers after 30 years.”
“I could not be more proud of this group of guys,” said David. “They were ready and gave their best today. This was the second-best finish in program history. Today, our second- through sixth-place runners all set personal records. What a way to finish the season!”
David and Anita shared a touching message at the Trussville City Schools board meeting on Monday night.
Under their watch, more than 80 Hewitt-Trussville athletes have signed college scholarships. David coached the 1999 girls indoor and outdoor track teams to a state title.
Moving forward, David plans to continue assisting with the track and field team this season, but also intends to do some traveling with Anita. The couple says their door is always open to the Hewitt-Trussville family.
“As I told the kids and the parents yesterday, ‘Our house is always open for you, there’s always a pot of coffee on,'” said David, as he fought back tears on Monday night in Trussville.