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Rings and things

As two-time defending Class 4A state track champion Anniston receives rings for 2023, Holland receives two NFHS awards

Cover photo: Lisa Howard Holland is the NFHS Coaches Association coach of the year for Section 3 and Alabama. (Submitted photo)

By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today

Lisa Howard Holland has turned Anniston’s boys’ track program into a two-time defending Class 4A champion, and her work has won her two honors from the National Federation of State High School Associations awards.

At the Bulldogs’ ring ceremony on Monday in the school’s auditorium, Holland received honors as the NFHS’ Alabama and Section 3 coach of the year for 2022-23.

“It is, indeed, an honor and a privilege to receive this award and being able to share the moments with my team,” said Holland, also East Alabama Sports Today’s coach of the year for 2023 boys’ track. “This is not just an award for me, but for every child that I coached, every teacher and coach who believed in me. 

“Everyone that supported me, this one is for you.”

Anniston won the Class 4A state titles in 2022 and 2023. 

Anniston’s track team, led by head coach Lisa Howard Holland, celebrated its most recent state title at a ceremony Monday in the school’s auditorium. (Submitted photo)

Jayden Lewis won the 100- and 200-meter dashes, and Malachi Taylor won the triple jump to lead the Bulldogs’ final-day surge in Gulf Shores in May. They shot up from eighth in the team standings after the first day and finished with 81 points, 27 more than second-place Priceville.

Lewis won the 100 in 10.72 seconds and 200 in 21.89.

The ring commemorating Anniston’s latest Class 4A state title in track. (Submitted photo)

Taylor took the triple jump, covering 44 feet and 3.75 inches. He also finished fourth in the long jump (21-09) to add five points.

Anniston scored 68 of its 81 points on the second and final day of competition.

The Bulldogs also got first-place finishes in the 4×400 (3:27.89) and 4×800 (8:17.29) relays and a scoring fifth-place finish in the 4×100 (44.32).

“As a coach, I challenge the young people every chance I get because it’s my job to bring out the greatness in them,” Holland said. “Sometimes all it takes is for someone to believe in you and you will be surprised at what you can do.

“Special thanks to my husband Samuel Holland, my high school coach, Robert Lynch, Bishop Ellis, Pastor Handly, my sister Jacquline Jackson and my friends and family and especially my teams.” 

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