Alabama Schools, Sport Facilities Hit by Tornadoes
Alabamians are no stranger to tornadoes. The Yellow Hammer state has the most tornado-related deaths in the entire United States. The super outbreak on April 27, 2011, is still talked about – and will be forever. Tornadoes struck Alabama and its high schools and sports facilities again on March 25.
The schools affected most by the tornadoes were Ohatchee High School in Calhoun County, Pelham High School, and Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham.
In Ohatchee specifically, the tornado was fatal. Five people lost their lives in the area, including the mother and grandparents of Union College (Kentucky) football player Domonique Thomas. Head football coach Scott Martin told al.com that the tornado had completely destroyed several of his students’ homes, and it was time for the community to rally around each other.
“It was devastating to many people in our community, which makes it devastating to all of us,” said Martin.
Pelham High principal and athletic director Kim Kiel detailed the relatively minor damage to the school, including roof damage at both the baseball and softball facilities.
“We’re trying to coordinate our efforts to help the folks in Pelham who need it however we can,” said Kiel.
Oak Mountain athletic director Shane Gallman said that while the campus complexes were in good condition, there was significant damage to the football press box at Heardmont Park.
A donation drive for water, canned goods, toiletries, etc. was set up by Oak Mountain High, and had received so many donations two days after the disaster that spokespeople were asking those interested to begin donating to people in need rather than the school itself.
For most community members, there is a sense of relief in the sadness. Many homes, schools and athletic facilities were relatively spared.
Most schools had students on spring break and returned to classes on March 29. Practices and games will resume as well. As always, sports will bring three communities ravaged by Mother Nature back together again.
Written by: Reagan Cofield
