BY SARAH STEPHENS
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The legendary, longtime Stanhope Elmore High School Football Coach Jimmy Foshee passed away Jan. 23, after a long illness.
The legacy he leaves behind cannot be overstated.
His death was announced by family members as well as the Stanhope Elmore Football Vault Facebook page: “To our followers, former players, fans and whoever else this reaches, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Coach Jimmy Foshee passed away this evening. Funeral and visitation arrangements have not yet been made, but when they are, I will post them. We ask that any able-bodied former player, students, or friends attend to pay respects to one outstanding individual. Thank you.”
A bit of Foshee’s incredible coaching history can be found from the Alabama High School Football Historical Society, at www.ahsfhs.org.
It reads:
Dadeville High School was the beginning of the athletic career of Jimmy Foshee. He excelled in three sports and played in the North-South All-Star Football game in 1962.
Ten years after obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Auburn in 1966, Coach Foshee began to gain notoriety as the head coach of Stanhope Elmore High School Mustang football team.
Foshee became only the third coach in the history of the Mustang program, replacing Robert Butterworth in 1975.
Over the next 25 years under the guidance of Coach Foshee, the Mustangs never had a losing season, participated in 20 state playoffs, including a streak of 16 consecutive appearances, and enjoyed an average of eight wins pe season.
Foshee’s teams won 15 region and area titles along the way. His overall region record stands at 70-15 which is among the best of all time.
His 1977, 1979 and 1982 teams all finished the regular season undefeated.
Coach Foshee has achieved individual success as well, being the recipient of several Coach of the Year awards including being named by the ASWA in 1998. He was also selected four times for the coaching staff of the North-South All-Star game, and having his name incorporated into the name of the Millbrook stadium, Foshee-Henderson Stadium.
Jimmy Foshee was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
From SEHS Alum John Hyde:
It saddens me to announce the passing away of legendary former Stanhope Elmore High School Assistant Principal and Head Football Coach Jimmy Foshee. He coached the football team for 25 years from 1975-2000 and never had a losing season. He made a positive impact on thousands of people and he put Millbrook, Alabama on the map. He leaves behind a beautiful wife of over 60 years of marriage, four wonderful children, and beautiful grandchildren. We really appreciate your contributions to the schools and the community! Rest in peace Coach Jimmy Foshee!😭😭💔💔💔💔💔
Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson offered these comments.
“Having grown up in Elmore County, participating in the rivalry between Wetumpka and Stanhope, who were always competing for area and regional championships, I’ve been familiar with Coach Foshee since the early to mid eighties. Having played against his teams and later working in and around the Schools as a law enforcement officer, seeing firsthand the impact that he’s had on his players and other young people, I’ve always had a tremendous respect and appreciation for Coach Foshee. He’s touched a lot of young people, helping turn boys in to young men, many who’ve went on to be great husbands, fathers and leaders in their communities. Few people have the opportunity to impact the number of young people like our teachers and ball coaches at our local schools. Although Coach retired many years ago, his impact and contributions will continue to impact our community for years to come. He was a great football coach, a better man and a community leader. He touched a lot of people.”
Please keep the Foshee family in your prayers. We will update funeral arrangements once plans are finalized.
