by Scott Buttram, publisher
Commentary
TRUSSVILLE — An inappropriate comment on social media by al.com freelancer Bill Lumpkin regarding the AHSAA State Championship Flag Football game between Hewitt-Trussville High School and Smiths Station High School is garnering quite a bit of attention. And not in a good way.
“Why does covering girls flag football make you think of lingerie football and pillow fights,” Lumpkin posted on Facebook along with photos of the players.
I don’t know Mr. Lumpkin. How al.com and the Alabama High School Athletic Association choose to deal with this incident is not up to me. But I do know many of the young ladies targeted by this comment and I’d like to tell you about them.
This was the first year that Flag Football was a sanctioned sport by the AHSAA. While none of the players and coaches had any prior experience in the sport, most have extensive experience in championship level athletics.
The Hewitt-Trussville High School Flag Football team was compiled of female student-athletes from basketball, softball, and soccer. Some may also be involved in our track program, but I’m not sure.
The team was coached by Tonya Hunter and Taylor Burt who have won AHSAA state championships in basketball and softball respectively.
HTHS womens basketball has played in the last two AHSAA 7A state championship games. The Huskies’ softball team has won back to back AHSAA 7A state championships. Our girls track team won the 2020 AHSAA Indoor Track state championship.
These are elite student-athletes who excel in athletics, in the classroom, and in our community. They are – each and every one – a tremendous source of pride in Trussville.
They came together and took on a new sport and did so with enthusiasm and commitment that led to this week’s accomplishment.
There can only be one first AHSAA State Champion in Flag Football and that team will forever be the Hewitt-Trussville High School Huskies.
So, Mr. Lumpkin can ‘think’ whatever he likes. But I know who these players and coaches are. Champions.