Small town, big pride: Priceville supports Bulldogs through record-breaking year
By Aubrey Weddington
For the Enquirer
Many of Priceville’s 3,500 residents travelled to Birmingham this past Friday to support the Lady Bulldogs as they played in the state championship game.
The Lady Bulldogs came in second to Prattville Christian, but broke the record for highest state placing in girl’s athletics at Priceville High School, previously set at third place by the girl’s Cross Country team. A huge component in the Lady Bulldog’s success this season is the love and support of the Priceville community. Teri Nelson, Lady Bulldogs head coach said community pride and support pushed the team toward their goals this season.
“We wanted this so bad for our team, but I think we wanted it even more for our community,” Nelson said. “Seeing the support of the crowd would overwhelm me with emotion.” The community did not forget their pride when they went to Birmingham to support the Lady Bulldogs.
“When I looked around, I was in complete awe. For so many people to take time out of their lives to come support meant everything to our team,” she added. “The entire Priceville community, no matter how young or how old, never fails to support the students at Priceville High School.
Throughout the season, the Priceville High student section has managed to make itself known. Every game, students show up and show out to support their Bulldogs with cheers and chants. The student section continued to grow with the progress made by the Lady Bulldogs. At the Final Four and State Championship games, the student section was packed with supporters. Students from the elementary and junior high were involved as well, a small group created a miniature student section and cheered along with the high school students.
“I am so thankful for all of the students from the elementary to the junior High to the high School. Our students are so special to me,” she said. “They are our encouragers. They are my encouragers.”
Nelson said Priceville leaders in government and the school system are the backbone of the athletic program.
“A huge thank you to Sam Helfin and the town council, Tracie Turrentine and our board members, Lewis White, Shane Hopkins, Dr. Ashley McCullough, Brian Wakefield, Daniel Gullion, Brandy Quattlebaum and all the teachers in our community,” she added.
The Lady Bulldogs coaching staff includes Terina Nelson, Jeaniece Slater, Lannah Johnson, Bryon Veal and Emily Logan.
