Prep Sports

MUNFORD — The Lady Lions of Munford will play in the AHSAA Class 3A state softball tournament today without their head coach in attendance.

Kathy Brown is in her second year as head coach of the squad, but "she won't be going with the team on the trip," according to Munford High School principal Judson Warlick.

"Circumstances beyond our control, she's not going to be able to go on the trip," Warlick said prior to the start of a community pep rally for the team on Wednesday.

Warlick would not say if Brown, who teaches history at Munford High, is still employed by the Talladega County Board of Education. The board meets tonight at 5:30 p.m. for its regular monthly meeting, and personnel actions are on the agenda.

Brown took over the head-coaching job in 2007 after veteran coach Robert Helms retired following the 2006 season. Brown led the team to a record of 25-14 and the 3A, Area 9 tournament championship this season.

Anne Hopkins, who teaches math at the school and has served as an assistant coach, will stand in as head coach for the state tournament. Hopkins, who is also the girls basketball coach, said she couldn't comment on the situation surrounding the coaching change, but is excited about the tournament.

"I really can't say anything," Hopkins said. "We're excited about the opportunity to play in Montgomery."

Munford opens the tournament against West Blocton today at 9 a.m. at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.