SPANISH FORT, Ala. — School spirit ran high during the first quarter of Monday’s City Council meeting as Spanish Fort High School Athletic Director Bryant Vincent delivered an impromptu pep talk, urging everyone in attendance to remain focused on the future.

“I really believe where we are as an athletic department and as a town is where we should be, but I’m very concerned,” Vincent said, imploring the more than 150 student athletes in attendance as well as the community at large to not become complacent.

“I see a storm brewing…, and we can sit back, and we can just hope things work out, or as a community we can make sure we’re prepared for the future,” he said.

Vincent’s comments came moments after the council recognized two of the high school’s state championship athletic teams as well as a second-place team and two young men who took top honors in tennis.

Certificates of recognition were presented to:

“I’m extremely proud of where we’ve come from,…but we are not satisfied, nor are we content,” Vincent said, putting the teams on notice to enjoy the glow of the limelight for a few more weeks and “then let’s repeat.”

“I’m thrilled to death, but I’m not content. We’ve got to want more,” he said.

Vincent said the young program’s success would never have been possible without the city’s unyielding support, and he is grateful the commitment has never wavered over the past three-and-a-half years.

“We wouldn’t even be close to where we are today without the support of the city, of the council,” Vincent said.

Mayor Joe Bonner praised the student athletes for their determination and discipline.

“We thank you for what you’ve done for this city as ambassadors,” Bonner said.

Vincent, whose energy permeated the crowd, commended the dedicated SFHS coaches for their tireless commitment to excellence, and said he has every confidence the program could very well take top honors in the coming weeks when “The Birmingham News” names the top overall athletic department in the state.

“It’s either us or Briarwood (Christian School in Birmingham), and we’ve got the edge,” Vincent said.