Branch Whitlock has been named the head coach of Fairview’s varsity boys basketball team.

The hire was officially approved by the Cullman County school board on Thursday night.

Whitlock, who’s served as Cullman’s ninth-grade boys coach and varsity assistant in recent years, takes over for Eddie Groves, who departed the Purple and Gold program in May after two seasons.

“My dad has always pushed me to work hard,” Whitlock said. “My wife is very supportive as well. I have to give credit to coach (Bobby) Meyer at Cullman, too. He’s been a great mentor and friend to me. I feel like I’ve been groomed under the best coach in the state.”

Whitlock is no doubt excited to begin his journey with the Aggies.

“There are a lot of terrific players at Fairview. The history of the program speaks for itself. Coach (Joe) Shults, coach (Wade) Knight, coach (Greg) Boatright … I have a lot of respect for what they accomplished. Fairview is a basketball community, and there are high excectations that come with that. 5A basketball is big-time basketball.”