Jacksonville, AL – Long-time Jacksonville assistant Russell will soon replace legend of the sport Clark. Additionally, Clark to continue as AD and Jacksonville is hiring Weaver’s Atchley
By Joe Medley
A Calhoun County school that has been one of the popular high school programs will be sporting an unidentified or new coach as the head coach’s seat and a long-time coach connected to one Calhoun County school will change schools.
Amber Russell will be recommended to take over Golden Eagles volleyball coach David Clark, Clark confirmed Thursday.
Additionally The Jacksonville City Schools board of education on Wednesday voted to approve Clark’s continuation as athletics director despite being a retired contract employee. Likewise, the board voted to hire Weaver head softball and football director Gary Atchley.
There are plans for Atchley an experienced coach at Weaver which is his alma mater and a member of Clint Smith’s football team for Jacksonville, Clark said. Atchley might also have the role of a coach in other sports.
Clark as well as Jacksonville Principal Russ Waits will finalize recommendations for coaching slots for the school year 2023-24 at a later time, along with the Board of Education, which will need to approve any supplements. The approval could be granted in June.
Russell the former Jacksonville head softball coach has worked under Clark for the past 16 years. She has been the interim head coach of volleyball since Clark made the announcement in February the coach would be stepping down from coaching.
Russell played softball and volleyball for Jacksonville before graduating in 2003. She was also the head coach of Oneonta’s volleyball team for 2 seasons and the head softball coach for one year.
“The primary reason I was returning from Oneonta was to be able to fill in his duties,” Russell said. “He required me to do lots of administrative tasks and more in-depth tasks.
“I feel like I’m ready. He’s prepared me, and I’m now waiting to be able to take over.”
Russell played softball at Snead State College and stated that she did not initially think of her future as a volleyball coach. Clark advised her to get started as a volunteer with Jacksonville City Council. City of Jacksonville.
“When I returned from Snead I was searching for work, I was looking for a job, and Coach Clark was like, “Hey, why don’t you take a look and see if that’s the thing you’d like to do What do you think?” Russell said. “My older sister graduated from high school in that year as was my sister … that’s how I was just smitten.”
She began her teaching career in Oneonta. A teaching or coaching position at Jacksonville was the first call momma received.
“I was so ready to go at home,” she said.
Russell was hired as head softball coach, and was in the position for six years. He earned the honor of being named All-Calhoun County Coach Class 4A-6A of the year during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Jacksonville was averaging 14-5 when the AHSAA stopped spring sports because of the spread of the virus.
When she returned, Russell also served as JV volleyball coach as well, and coach assistant for varsity under Clark.
Jacksonville has won state championships in 2007, 2008, and 2013 under Clark. They also won state titles in 2007 and 2013. Golden Eagles also finished state runners-up four times.
Clark has won 1,228 matches, 23 regional titles eleven regional titles along with twelve Calhoun County title.
Clark was a coach in other sports during his time in Jacksonville but is most well-known for his leadership of one of Jacksonville’s most successful volleyball teams. Son Colton has graduated from Jacksonville as did his daughter Caitlin is scheduled to graduate in the month of May.
In addition, Clark will have time to follow the Caitlin’s play in the NCAA Division I at Snead State.
Russell hopes to emulate her teacher.
“We were on a roll for a while but we’re looking to return to our previous status,” she said.
The most valuable thing she took from Clark? Continue to learn.
“He’s continually telling me that you can always be learning more. Never stop studying”” she added.
Clark spoke of Russell’s “wealth of expertise.”
“She has been a part of our JHS family since she was an Kitty Stone (Elementary) student,” Clark said. “She has coaching experience as a head coach and has a great knowledge the game of JHS volleyball and the necessary skills to take the team forward.”
In the case of Atchley He informed his players from softball and football of his decision earlier this morning. He will be the coach for Weaver’s spring soccer game tonight against West End-Walnut Grove starting at 6:30 p.m.
For Weaver’s softball team, Atchley said current assistant Andy Fulmer is “very interested” to become an assistant coach. Pitcher Kynlee Fulmer Andy’s daughter could be in the senior class this year.
Atchley was a Weaver graduated who has been a coach there for the past 13 years. He was a member of Daryl Hamby’s football team until Hamby was laid off after the 2018 season and Atchley became the head football coach in the year 2021.
Atchley was also the coach of girls basketball at Weaver through the current season. She also served as the softball head coach for a decade and led the Bearcats to only two regional championships in 2023 and 2017.
“The most difficult thing is that I was raised here and have deep connections to Weaver,” Atchley said. “This is my second family not only the 13 years that I’ve lived here but generally speaking, my entire life.”
Madison Atchley, a senior and Gary’s youngest child She played softball and basketball under her father’s guidance. She’s close to graduating.
Amanda Atchley, Gary’s wife is employed at Amanda Atchley, Gary’s wife works in the Jacksonville program as Kitty Stone’s counsellor. Their two younger children, soon-to-be seventh-grader Harper and soon to be sixth-grader Elliott are in school within the Jacksonville system.
Atchley also received his coaching starting at Jacksonville. He and his wife were both coaches under the then head coach Yvonne Swift and helped the Golden Eagles finish fourth in the state during the last season of slow pitch.
Gary Atchley also served as the junior high girls basketball instructor under Clark.
“With the family aspect and the opportunity to go back to the place where it all began it was to be a perfect chance for our family to be involved,” he said.
To coach Jacksonville football Atchley has said that it is likely for him to be a coach in some role.
“Now after I’ve been the head coach for a few years, I’m going to make a fantastic coaching assistant,” Atchley said with laughter. “Now I’m familiar with the insides and outs of the issues that the person who is head coach to face. I feel that I’m now better placed to assist Coach Smith and his staff by being the person who is helpful and assists them in whatever they require my help to complete.”
Clark described Atchley “a fantastic addition” for Jacksonville’s staff.
“He is a strong supporter of his Jacksonville community and will bring an experienced and enthusiastic member of the coaching team,” Clark said. [read more…]
