Edited for clarity, 6-20-17, 9 p.m.
Heatherly pitching in the 2016 AHSAA 6A state championship series/ Josh McBrayer
CULLMAN – A week after being selected in the MLB draft by the Cincinnati Reds, Cullman left-hander Jacob Heatherly signed a contract with the National League franchise, valued at $1,047,500. Heatherly was guaranteed $743,900 when he was drafted. A $300,000 signing bonus put him over $1 million.
Heatherly, the Class 6A pitcher of the year, was the 77th pick taken in the draft, the second player chosen in the third round.
Heatherly had a 10-1 record his senior year at Cullman with a 1.11 earned run average. He struck out 166 batters on the season and was unstoppable with a 5-0 record in the playoffs.
Heatherly has been clocked with a fastball at 90-95 miles per hour and has excellent off-speed pitches.
Heatherly was taken to the Reds' rookie team in Arizona last Thursday and is ready to work his way through the organization.
Softball coach steps down at Cullman:
Stephanie Conner submitted her resignation as softball coach at Cullman High School on Monday. The decision was accepted by the city school board.
Conner was in command of Cullman softball since 2013, with the program rising to a very serious competitive level in the last three years.
Conner directed the team to three consecutive AHSAA Elite Eight appearances. The best finish was fourth by the Lady 'Cats in 2016 in Class 6A.
In 2017, Cullman overcame a slow start with a strong finish and reached the 6A state by a dramatic finish in the North Regional in mid-May in Huntsville.
Her final squad finished with a record of 30-21-1. Conner is reported to be expecting her first child in the wintertime.
The process to replace Conner is currently underway by the school's administration.
Susan Moore having to fill football coaching vacancy:
Susan Moore High School is dealing with the task of replacing Ken Adams as head football coach and athletic director after he submitted a letter of resignation to principal Mike Stansberry June 14.
Adams was in charge of the football team and athletics for two seasons.
Stansberry reported to AL.com that Adams will retire in the state of Alabama and coach in the state of Mississippi. Adams is a graduate of Mississippi State University.
Stansberry and his administration are in the process of replacing the two vacant positions at the 3A school in Blount County.
Vacancies could be filled by the end of the week:
Vacancies at the following schools in the Cullman County system could be filled by Thursday, when the next meeting of the school board takes place.
Fairview High School is in search of a basketball coach. Cullman freshman coach Branch Whitlock has been the acting coach for the Aggies during their summer play-day schedule.
Vinemont High School is in the process of replacing football coach Matt Norris after his contract was not extended following the end of the 2016-17 school year. Also, Principal Ferrell Runge has two weeks remaining in his position as he will officially retire on June 30.
The Eagles have been accepting applications and talking to candidates in trying to fill the vacancy. Vinemont was 3-17 in two seasons with Norris in command.
Holly Pond High School is currently working to replace Paige Adams, who stepped down as girls’ basketball coach on June 13. Adams coached the varsity for one season and was directing the team in a series of play days when she suddenly turned in her resignation to Principal Kim Butler a day after The Tribune covered Holly Pond in a play-day series at Falkville.
Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
