Tommy Abney, who has coached the HT Bowling teams since 2017, has announced his retirement. This season the HT Boys and HT Girls both won the Area title. Both HT teams then won the AHSAA North Regional that was held in Trussville. At the State Tournament, both Husky teams advanced to the state semifinals.
Under Coach Abney's leadership, the HT Boys advanced to the Final 4 in 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The HT Girls advanced to the Final 4 in 2024.
Abney led the HT Boys to State Tournament in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. The HT Girls advanced to the State Tournament in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Coach Abney's Bowling teams had tremendous success in Area play. The HT Boys won the Area title each year from 2019-2024 and the HT Girls won the Area four times in the last six years.
In addition to team success, many Bowling student-athletes were honored individually. All-State honors were introduced in 2023. Anna Abney was named 1st Team All-State in 2023 and 2024. She was also 1st Team 6A/7A both years. Tristan Atwood was named 1st Team All-State in 2023 and 2024. He was also 1st Team 6A/7A both years. Jacob Smith was named 2nd Team All-State in 2023. Eko Burroughs was named 2nd Team All-State in 2024. Brodie Payne was Honorable Mention 6A/7A in 2023.
Bowling All-Region teams started in 2024. Anna Abney, Julianna Nussbaumer, Ainsley Rodgers and DJ Stovall were named to the 2024 All-Region team. Tristan Atwood, Eko Burroughs and Carter Pannell were also All-Region selections.
Coach Abney said, "I remember begging Coach Garrett daily to take over the program when he was ready to resign from bowling and focus on football. Fortunately, Lance Walker saw something in me and hired me to take over. It has been an amazing experience learning from my current and former bowlers and being able to help our team become one of the most respected programs in the state. I am grateful for all of my years at HTHS and look forward to supporting our system throughout my retirement."
HTHS Principal Aaron King said, "It is bittersweet to see Coach Abney retire. While I am happy for him as he takes his next steps in life, I will miss not working with him daily. Coach Abney has spent a career working hard in the classroom and in the bowling alley. His impact on the school culture is palpable. I have no doubt we will see Coach Abney from time to time in the community, at the school, and almost certainly at the bowling alley cheering on the Huskies!"
Trussville City Schools Athletics Director Lance Walker stated, "I would like to congratulate Coach Abney on his retirement. He has done a tremendous job leading our Bowling program. Under his leadership, HT Bowling has consistently been one of the top programs in the state. With Coach Abney, it was always about the kids. I respect the way he led the program and supported our students. I know he will always cheer for the Huskies!"
Abney graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 1992. He later graduated from UAB in 1996 and taught Math for 28 years.
