A new era in Isabella athletics began with the introduction of Tate Leonard as the new athletic director and head football coach during an announcement on Tuesday.

According to Isabella principal Ricky Porter, he did not have to go through a long and tenuous coaching search. In both cases, he knew whom he wanted and made just one phone call.

“Any time there is a change, it can lead to other changes,” Ingram said. “We’ve got an opportunity to move forward together.”

Also introduced was Jerry Harrison who will take over the duties of head baseball coach pending school board approval.

Harrison previously held the position of head baseball coach at Jemison High School from 1999 to 2004.

This past year he spent time as an assistant football coach at Dallas County High School.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s checkers or marbles, I want to win,” Harrison said.

Following the introductions, parents and students were able to meet and greet the new additions to the Isabella athletic program.

Leonard was a graduate of Isabella in 2000, the same time that Ingram began as a teacher at the school.

Leonard was a member of the defensive coaching staff at Maplesville High School since 2006, and credited Maplesville head coach Brent Hubbert for giving him the initial opportunity and helping him accomplish his goal of becoming a head coach.

During his time with the Red Devils, he experienced his share of success. He brings a pedigree that includes three straight appearances in the Class 1A state championship game with titles in each of the past two years.

In 2014, he was named the 2014 assistant coach of the year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

The first coaching job that Leonard had was as a volunteer assistant in 2003.

After spending a decade at Maplesville, Leonard’s career choices have brought him full circle, and back to where all started.

The importance of summer conditioning was stressed throughout the ceremony, and will be one of the first steps that Leonard looks to implement.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re 7A or 1A, you can still be big and strong,” Leonard said.

“I’m a good football coach, but I’m not the savior,” Leonard said. “Everyone involved is just another piece of the puzzle. We have to pull together as a family.”

Leonard also focused on the importance that parents play within the athletic program. He asked for them to think big picture and provide a committed support to their kids and the head coach.

Leonard ended his introduction speech with a question to those in attendance.

“Are you all in, or are you out?” Leonard said.

“Believe in what these guys are selling,” Porter said. “Don’t be afraid to drink the Kool-Aid.”