Muscle Shoals High School
Encyclopedia
Muscle Shoals High School is the sole public secondary education institution in Muscle Shoals
, Alabama
. MSHS was recently awarded the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Award for Excellence
.
Football
On February 26, 2008, the Muscle Shoals Board of Education unanimously approved Scott Basden as new Head Coach and Athletic Director for MSHS. His salary was reported to be one of the highest in the states: $83,500. He is replacing former Head Coach Curley Hallman
who resigned in December after compiling a 4–6 record for the 2007-08 season and a 14–26 record in his four years at Muscle Shoals.
In Scott Basden's first season at Muscle Shoals, the Trojans racked up a dismal 2–8 record.In Basden's second season as the Trojan head coach they went to the second round of the playoffs with a "turn around" record of 9–3.
Basketball
In 2007, the Boys' Basketball team advanced to the Alabama Northwest Regionals at Wallace State Community College
beating Wenonah High School
in the Quarterfinals but losing to Decatur High School
in the Semi-Finals. In 2008, after losing a number of seniors and starters, the Boys' team made it back to Wallace; in Quarterfinals, they beat opponent Walker High School. In the Regional Semi-Finals, the Trojans went up against Russellville High School. Russellville came away with the victory with a score of 67-66.
Volleyball
The Muscle Shoals Lady Trojans Volleyball team have been quite successful in the past: from 1998–2001, they were the Class 5A State Champions.
Tennis
The Boys' Tennis team won the Class 5A State Championship in 2002, 2005, and 2010. The Girls' Tennis team also won the Class 5A State Championship in 2010.
(BOA). Since then, the band has been Class A Champions in Atlanta four times (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005). At the Alabama Bandmasters Association State Festival, the Muscle Shoals High School Symphonic Band has earned Superiors for the past 13 consecutive years. In 2005, the band traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete in the All-Star Music Festival. There they were awarded Grand Champions in Parade Band, Concert Band, Concert Percussion, and Jazz Band. In 2009, they returned to the Orlando All-Star Music Festival to receive once again the Grand Champion title in Concert Band, Concert Percussion, and Jazz Band.
During the 2007-08 season, the marching band won the Grand Champion trophy at the Dixie Pride Marching Classic and the Vanderbilt Marching Invitational and won 3rd Place in Class A at the Bands of America Atlanta Super Regional.
The Muscle Shoals High School band program was founded in 1965 by Charles Stratford, graduate of Louisiana State University. Leaving an outstanding legacy, director emeritus Stratford retired in 1988 and left the band under the direction of his son-in-law Pat Stegall. Stegall continues his work with Muscle Shoals' band program today with the companionship of David Waters, Associate Director of Bands and Director of Percussion, and Terry Ownby, Director of Bands at Muscle Shoals Middle School.
In 2008, after many years of in-state competition, David Waters, Director of Percussion, decided to move his percussion concert ensemble to the national level and enrolled in various Winter Guard International
(WGI) and Southeastern Color Guard Circuit (SCGC) events. With their show Samson & Delilah, featuring "Bachanalle", the ensemble placed 1st at the 2008 SCGC Championships in the Scholastic Concert Open class, and at the WGI World Championships they placed third in the nation in Scholastic Concert Open.
In 2009, the ensemble competed again in WGI and SCGC with their show, "Carmen". They played first in Scholastic Concert Open class, both in Winter Guard International and Southeasten Color Guard Circuit.
Their 2010 show was entitled "Letters From War". They were awarded the silver medal at the Scholastic Concert World Class WGI Competition and first in the SCGC.
The band is currently under the leadership of Pat Stegall (Director of Bands), David Waters (Assistant Director of Bands, Percussion) and Terry Ownby (Assistant Director of Bands, Brass, Director of Muscle Shoals Middle School Bands).
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Muscle Shoals is a city in Colbert County, Alabama, United States. As of 2007, the United States Census Bureau estimated the population of the city to be 12,846. The city is included in The Shoals MSA. It is famous for its contributions to American popular music.-Geography:Muscle Shoals is located...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. MSHS was recently awarded the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Award for Excellence
Blue Ribbon Schools Program
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a United States government program created in 1981 to honor schools which have achieved high levels of performance or significant improvements with emphasis on schools serving disadvantaged students. The program centers around a self-assessment conducted by the...
.
Academics
Traditionally. Muscle Shoals students excel academically. Based on the Alabama Reading and Math Test scores, the system has consistently placed among the top 10 school districts in one or more areas in most grade levels. Another tradition is the strong parental support of the school's programs with a majority of the parents being involved in one or more programs throughout the year. Still, another tradition is the large number of students who pursue post-secondary educational programs each year. It is not uncommon for this number to be at or above 90%.Athletics
Muscle Shoals High School currently plays in Class 5A of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).Football
On February 26, 2008, the Muscle Shoals Board of Education unanimously approved Scott Basden as new Head Coach and Athletic Director for MSHS. His salary was reported to be one of the highest in the states: $83,500. He is replacing former Head Coach Curley Hallman
Curley Hallman
Hudson "Curley" Hallman is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at the University of Southern Mississippi and Louisiana State University , compiling a career record of 39–39.-Early years:Growing up near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Hallman aspired to play for...
who resigned in December after compiling a 4–6 record for the 2007-08 season and a 14–26 record in his four years at Muscle Shoals.
In Scott Basden's first season at Muscle Shoals, the Trojans racked up a dismal 2–8 record.In Basden's second season as the Trojan head coach they went to the second round of the playoffs with a "turn around" record of 9–3.
Basketball
In 2007, the Boys' Basketball team advanced to the Alabama Northwest Regionals at Wallace State Community College
Wallace State Community College
Wallace State Community College is a community college located in Hanceville, Alabama. Wallace State offers a variety of associate's degrees. It is named for former Alabama governor George C. Wallace, who greatly expanded Alabama's community college system...
beating Wenonah High School
Wenonah High School
Wenonah High School is a high school for grades 9 - 12 in Birmingham, Alabama. It is part of the Birmingham City Schools.-Previous Wenonah High School :...
in the Quarterfinals but losing to Decatur High School
Decatur High School (Alabama)
Decatur High School is a public high school in Decatur, Alabama, United States. It is one of two high schools in the Decatur City School District. Decatur High offers technical, academic, and International Baccalaureate programs, as well as dual enrollment with the John C...
in the Semi-Finals. In 2008, after losing a number of seniors and starters, the Boys' team made it back to Wallace; in Quarterfinals, they beat opponent Walker High School. In the Regional Semi-Finals, the Trojans went up against Russellville High School. Russellville came away with the victory with a score of 67-66.
Volleyball
The Muscle Shoals Lady Trojans Volleyball team have been quite successful in the past: from 1998–2001, they were the Class 5A State Champions.
Tennis
The Boys' Tennis team won the Class 5A State Championship in 2002, 2005, and 2010. The Girls' Tennis team also won the Class 5A State Championship in 2010.
Band
The Muscle Shoals High School band program is known throughout the State of Alabama as one of the finest programs the state has to offer. The marching band has received Superior ratings every year since 1966, along with dozens of First Place, Best in Class, and Grand Champion awards. In 2001, they traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to be the first band from Alabama to compete in Bands of AmericaBands of America
Bands of America , a division of Music for All, Inc., is an organization that promotes and organizes marching band competitions for high school students. Competitions include both Regional and Super Regional Championships as well as the Grand National Championships...
(BOA). Since then, the band has been Class A Champions in Atlanta four times (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005). At the Alabama Bandmasters Association State Festival, the Muscle Shoals High School Symphonic Band has earned Superiors for the past 13 consecutive years. In 2005, the band traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete in the All-Star Music Festival. There they were awarded Grand Champions in Parade Band, Concert Band, Concert Percussion, and Jazz Band. In 2009, they returned to the Orlando All-Star Music Festival to receive once again the Grand Champion title in Concert Band, Concert Percussion, and Jazz Band.
During the 2007-08 season, the marching band won the Grand Champion trophy at the Dixie Pride Marching Classic and the Vanderbilt Marching Invitational and won 3rd Place in Class A at the Bands of America Atlanta Super Regional.
The Muscle Shoals High School band program was founded in 1965 by Charles Stratford, graduate of Louisiana State University. Leaving an outstanding legacy, director emeritus Stratford retired in 1988 and left the band under the direction of his son-in-law Pat Stegall. Stegall continues his work with Muscle Shoals' band program today with the companionship of David Waters, Associate Director of Bands and Director of Percussion, and Terry Ownby, Director of Bands at Muscle Shoals Middle School.
Percussion
The Muscle Shoals High School Drumline has earned the reputation as one of the finest programs in Alabama and the Southeast. They consistly earn Superior Ratings, 1st Place, and Grand Champion awards.In 2008, after many years of in-state competition, David Waters, Director of Percussion, decided to move his percussion concert ensemble to the national level and enrolled in various Winter Guard International
Winter Guard International
Spawning from the organization Drum Corps International , Winter Guard International was founded in 1977. WGI is a visual performing arts organization that hosts regional and national competitions for color guard and indoor percussion ensembles. Contests are held in the U.S...
(WGI) and Southeastern Color Guard Circuit (SCGC) events. With their show Samson & Delilah, featuring "Bachanalle", the ensemble placed 1st at the 2008 SCGC Championships in the Scholastic Concert Open class, and at the WGI World Championships they placed third in the nation in Scholastic Concert Open.
In 2009, the ensemble competed again in WGI and SCGC with their show, "Carmen". They played first in Scholastic Concert Open class, both in Winter Guard International and Southeasten Color Guard Circuit.
Their 2010 show was entitled "Letters From War". They were awarded the silver medal at the Scholastic Concert World Class WGI Competition and first in the SCGC.
The band is currently under the leadership of Pat Stegall (Director of Bands), David Waters (Assistant Director of Bands, Percussion) and Terry Ownby (Assistant Director of Bands, Brass, Director of Muscle Shoals Middle School Bands).
Alumni
- Jason Allen - currently playing cornerback for the Houston TexansHouston TexansThe Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
- Dennis HomanDennis HomanDennis Frank Homan is a former professional American football wide receiver in the National Football League for five seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs . He later played for the Birmingham Americans and Birmingham Vulcans of the World Football League...
- wide receiver that played for the Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
and the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... - Jay JohnsonJay JohnsonJay Johnson may refer to:* Jay W. Johnson * Jay W. Johnson, U.S. Democratic congressman from Wisconsin and Director of the United States Mint* Jay Johnson Detroit doo-wop bass-baritone singer* Jay L. Johnson, U.S...
- Guitarist for The Rossington BandThe Rossington BandThe Rossington Band was a blues rock group formed by Gary Rossington, of Lynyrd Skynyrd fame, and his wife Dale Krantz-Rossington after the breakup of The Rossington-Collins Band.- History :In 1982, having fallen in love, Gary and Dale were married...
, guitarist/singer for Radio Tokyo (Not NHC), guitarist/ginger for The Southern Rock Allstars, guitarist/singer for latter-day Blackfoot (band)Blackfoot (band)Blackfoot is a Southern rock musical ensemble from Jacksonville, Florida organized during 1970. Though they are primarily a Southern rock band, they were known also as a hard rock act....
, and currently touring with Mike Estes and his band Skinny Molly as a guitarist. - Leigh TiffinLeigh TiffinVan Leigh Tiffin is an American football kicker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2010...
- former place kicker for the Alabama Crimson Tide - Rece DavisRece DavisRece Davis is a sports television journalist for ESPN. Davis works as an anchor on SportsCenter, and host of various other programs on the network.-Early life and career:...
- ESPNESPNEntertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
college football personality.