HARVEST– The Sparkman High athletic family has chosen from among its own for its choice as the new head coach of the Senators’ baseball program. Ben Stevenson has been hired for the position formally announced by school Principal Chris Shaw after the retirement of Jason Brewer.

Stevenson has been a coach and teacher at the school for 11 years, most recently as an assistant coach for the program under Brewer who recommended his long-time friend and fellow coach for the job.

“Ben is a perfect fit for the Sparkman family as he’s earned the opportunity to be head coach of Sparkman and we are excited about what the future holds under his leadership,” said Shaw.

“This has always been a dream job for me. To be able to coach at a place that was instrumental in shaping who I am, is special,” said Stevenson, who is a 2007 graduate of the high school located in Harvest where he played baseball for the Senators. He played college baseball at the University of North Alabama where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He’s currently working on his master’s degree in Instructional Leadership at the University of West Alabama.

“I am excited to continue working with our players to build relationships and mentor these young men through the game of baseball,” stated Stevenson, following the announcement of his new position.

Brewer stepped down from his position at the end of the most recent school year after nine years at Sparkman including the last six as head coach of the baseball program. The 43-year old Brewer stated, “I’ve been coaching for 17 years and I’m ready to make a change as I have two children who are young and, just looking at them, I see them growing up and I need to be there for them. Sports takes a lot of your time and after speaking with my wife, we decided now was a good time. I think it’s time to be home and be a dad.”

Brewer had a record of 101-94 in his six years as head coach of the Senators and three seasons making the state playoffs reaching the quarterfinals one time. He will remain with the school as a math teacher.