Aiken High School Appoints New Head Football Coach

News Summary

Aiken High School has appointed Steve Hibbitts as the new head football coach, aiming to revitalize a struggling program. Hibbitts, a local native, brings a wealth of experience, including successful tenures at Lakeside High School and Westside High School. His focus will be on both athletic development and academic support for student-athletes, as he implements a positive cultural shift within the team. The community is hopeful for a turnaround as Hibbitts prepares to lead the team out of a challenging period and restore the pride of Aiken football.

Aiken Welcomes New Head Football Coach Steve Hibbitts!

Aiken, it’s time to put on your game face because exciting changes are on the horizon for Aiken High School’s football program! The Board of Education has made a bold move by appointing Steve Hibbitts as the new head football coach. This decision came about on February 4, 2025, and the community is buzzing with enthusiasm about what’s to come.

A Passion for the Game

Steve Hibbitts is not just any coach; he is an Aiken native who is genuinely passionate about his hometown. He sees this opportunity as a chance to help restore the once-glorious football program that Aiken is known for. With a rich tradition of success in sports, he is eager to rekindle that fire and bring back the glory days. Aiken fans, get ready because Hibbitts is determined to lead the team back to their winning ways!

A Proven Track Record

Hibbitts comes to Aiken with an impressive resume. For the last 11 seasons, he has been the head coach at Lakeside High School in Evans, where he made waves by achieving a school record of 9-1 during the regular season. Under his leadership, Lakeside celebrated a remarkable milestone: their first playoff win in 15 years! His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was recognized as the Georgia 5A Coach of the Year, a well-deserved accolade that shows his commitment and skill in crafting successful teams.

Before Lakeside, Hibbitts also made substantial contributions at Westside High School from 2010 to 2013. It was here that he turned a struggling program around, leading them to back-to-back playoff appearances. Additionally, his time as a defensive coordinator at North Augusta High School was marked by consecutive playoff appearances, proving that he knows how to bring teams to their peak performance.

He even managed to shine during his tenure at Westside High School in Anderson, where as the offensive coordinator, he steered his team to an 11-2 season and a Region Championship in 2005. His coaching journey has taken him through Midland Valley too, working with both junior varsity and varsity teams along the way.

More Than Just Football

Hibbitts is all about the complete package – not just molding athletes on the field but also supporting their academic success off the field. He has initiated numerous academic support programs, community outreach efforts, and leadership development initiatives. One standout achievement at Lakeside was the Character Coach Program, which emphasized mentorship for players. This program was designed to inspire young athletes to grow into well-rounded individuals, both as players and as community members.

In addition to his coaching prowess, Hibbitts boasts a strong academic background. He holds a Master of Science in Biology/Secondary Education from the University of West Alabama and a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken. He is even a nationally board-certified science teacher, with experience teaching various subjects, including advanced placement courses in science.

A Cultural Shift

Aiken High School’s principal is excited about Hibbitts joining the team, especially considering his experience and dedication to developing well-rounded student-athletes. Hibbitts has a big task ahead, as he aims to shift the current culture of Aiken’s football program, which has seen its sixth head coach in just a decade. The Aiken football team hasn’t had a winning season since 2015, and they’ve struggled through a tough 22-game losing streak over the past three seasons.

But fear not, this is where Hibbitts’ expertise will shine! He plans to connect with players and build relationships that lay a strong foundation for the upcoming season. With a coaching philosophy centered around the inspiring motto of “#WINFOREVER”, Hibbitts emphasizes both personal and team competition for self-improvement.

A Bright Future Ahead

With Hibbitts at the helm, the community is buzzing with hope for a turnaround. He is genuinely excited about the potential breakthroughs his team can achieve in the coming year. Aiken, rally behind your new head coach, because the spirit of Aiken football is about to ignite once more!

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Hibbitts Excited About Taking on New Challenge of Aiken Football Rebuild
• Augusta Press: Aiken High School Welcomes New Head Football Coach
• WJBF: Aiken Hires Lakeside’s Hibbitts as New Head Football Coach
• WRDW: Aiken Names Steve Hibbitts Next Football Coach
• Post and Courier: Aiken High Tabs Hibbitts Next Head Football Coach
• Wikipedia: Aiken High School
• Google Search: Steve Hibbitts
• Google Scholar: Steve Hibbitts Football Coaching
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Football Coaching
• Google News: Aiken Football