| OHS names Brian Blackmon as Head Coach |
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 Opelika City School Superintendent Mark Neighbors, Principal Stan
Cox and School Board Chairman O.D. Alsobrook, announced at a December
22, 2008 press conference that Brian Blackmon has been hired as the
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Opelika High School.Coach Blackmon has served as Assistant Head Football Coach and Offensive Coordinator at Opelika since 1998 and Assistant Athletic Director since 2001. In his 13 years of coaching, he has been a leader among the coaches and a role model to the players, both on an off of the field. Named Alabama High School Assistant Coach of the Year by the 2004 Nike Coach of the Year Clinic, Coach Blackmon has been a featured speaker at coaching clinics across the region. In addition, Coach Blackmon has helped institute a Character Education program within the football team that made such a difference that it is now taught in every classroom at Opelika High School. “Under Coach Blackmon’s leadership we are confident that we will continue the great tradition of success at Opelika High School. He will provide outstanding leadership to our coaches and our players,” stated OCS Superintendent Mark Neighbors. Blackmon has coached other sports during his 12-year tenure at OHS including soccer, wrestling and golf. Blackmon graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery in 1992. He played football for three years and was a member of Spence McCracken’s 1991 6A state championship team. After graduating, Blackmon continued his playing career at North Alabama. His playing career was ended due to a back injury. In 1993, Blackmon transferred to Troy State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1996. While teaching and coaching at OHS, Blackmon attended Auburn University graduating with his Masters degree in education and business education.Coach Blackmon and his wife Kellie have two children, Cade and Carlyle. The Blackmons are active members of First United Methodist Church in Opelika. |