By: Brett Greenberg
TUSCALOOSA NEWS- Faith. Family. Football.
It might sound like a cliche, but those are the three words that veteran coach Chris Hilliker has stood by during his elongated career as a high school football coach in the Northport area.
After 26 years of teaching and coaching, 16 of which took on the role of a head coach, Hilliker will retire after this season.
Hilliker spent the majority of his career with Northside but also coached at Hale County and Paul Bryant. In his eight years with the Rams, Hilliker guided them to the playoffs every year and made it to the Class 4 A quarterfinals last season.
When Hilliker was hired in 2012, he took over a program with a losing record. Since 2012, the Rams have posted a 57-22 record.
Senior offensive linemen Joe Malone said winning the state championship would be the ultimate way to thank Hilliker.
“(Coach Hilliker) has meant so much to (the players) because he cares about us and the lessons he has instilled in us will have a lasting impact on our lives,” said Malone. "He is such a big part of all of our lives."
Hilliker and his wife, Diane, have been a part of the Northport/Tuscaloosa school system for nearly 26 years and decided together this is their final year. The two plan on traveling and relaxing without their hectic teaching schedules. Hilliker added he'll get the chance to improve his golf game.
Hilliker said it is rewarding to see his former players become successful, have families of their own, and progress in life.
"It is especially satisfying when past players come back to help in some type of capacity, said Hilliker. "It's not about the wins and losses, it is about the bonds you create."
Hilliker was an all-state quarterback for Hillcrest High in 1987, which was led by coach Skipper Clements. Hilliker said he was able to be on the staff with Clements after graduating college at Livingston University where he played football and baseball. He used his time on Clement's staff to soak up valuable coaching lessons.
"I was fortunate enough to get a job after collegewith Skipper and joined the staff with a bunch of great coaches," said Hilliker. "I had great mentorship from them, which led me to my first head coaching job."
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