Statement released by Hugh Fountain

After prayer and many discussions with my family, I have made the choice to leave Charles Henderson High School. It has been 16 great years and I thank the community for its support. The community helped me very much this season as we endure the death of Ronnell Moore and longtime defensive coordinator Tyrone Black.

One of my personal greatest “thrills” was to see former player Zac Etheridge as a captain in the National Championship game for Auburn University in 2010. Jawara White was also in that National Championship team. I was thrilled the night Alabama played Southern Miss (in 2011) when both Von Ewing and Terrell Paul were on the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. However, I am most proud of every young man that has ever worn the uniform for the Charles Henderson Trojans during my tenure. Every player has had to pay a certain price for that and I am grateful to each of them.

Out staff of the last 16 years, I am grateful to all of them. This year we only had tow certified teachers on the high school staff, but our non-certified and volunteers were the best in the state. When you fully consider the death of Coach Black and its impact, out staff should be commended for the leadership they gave out players. The supports they gave and my family during this trying time will always be appreciated.

Out faculty and staff at Charles Henderson have always been terrific to me. Out lunchroom staff has always been like family to me. The many phone calls about football players, the projects, the study guides, the grade sheets, you guys have always had the best interest of these players at heart. You have the greatest understanding that athletics and academics go hand in hand. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to grow with you at Charles Henderson. Thank for the support.

The 2000s  is the most successful decade in school history,  75-35. Certainly many good teams and talented players have “laid it all on the line” for CHHS on Friday nights. During the seasons of 2001-2003, our Trojan Defense allowed less than 88 points a season for three straight years. What a defense that was! In 2007, out team became the first team in school history to go 10-0 in the regular season. We have had many all-state players, as Courtney Downing was this season as a 5A running back. But, I am most proud of the 50 scholarship players that have signed out of Charles Henderson since 1997. We have sent players to Alabama, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Southern Miss, Troy, North Alabama and many more. Some have excelled, some have come home but each had an opportunity. I have taken great pride in each of them. However, as I stated previously it is “all” of the players who have ever played for us that I am “Proud” of. Thank you for allowing me to be your coach.

Trojan Pride,

Coach Hugh Fountain