Several of the Cullman County School System’s football players, cheerleaders and band members stepped into the spotlight Tuesday as part of the inaugural Cullman County Schools Media Day in the County Central Office Board Room.

The seven county schools — Cold Springs, Fairview, Good Hope, Hanceville, Holly Pond, Vinemont and West Point — were represented by members of the football team, cheerleading squad and band, who got the chance to speak about the upcoming season and answer questions from the gathered media members.

Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette said the conversations to host a media day for all of the schools began around a week ago, but the original idea was to plan to hold one next fall.

He said all of the schools and participants had a good response to the idea, so the decision was made to go ahead with the media day this fall.

Despite the short notice, the day seemed to go well for everyone, and the central office will be gathering feedback from those in attendance to make any necessary changes for next year’s media day, Barnette said.

“I think it went well for our first media day ever,” he said. “We want to just continue to make it bigger and better.”

Hosting a media day lets coaches and directors talk about their goals and expectations for the season, but it also lets young students get the chance to speak in public, Barnette said.

“Any time we can give the young people an opportunity to stand in and participate in public speaking, that’s a good opportunity for them,” he said.

One of the common themes that was heard from every school was the cooperation and relationships among the football team, cheerleaders and band, and that was one of the things that the school system wanted to highlight by having them all participate in the media day, Barnette said.

“It’s all about the whole combination of all of them and how they represent the community,” he said.

All of the participants also took note that success in high school sports is not always about the win-loss record, and that is important to highlight before the season begins, Barnette said.

“Everything we do in Cullman County is not always measured in wins and losses,” he said. “With everyone who spoke today, it is very evident that it’s about growing people as young men and women, and not just winning a ball game.”

 

Tyler Hanes can be reached at 256-734-2131 ext. 138.