MONTGOMERY- Former Bob Jones head baseball coach Al Rauls was one of 11 new members elected to the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame at induction ceremonies held at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Montgomery. The 2018 class included coaches, administrators, officials and an “old-timer.”

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an outstanding honor and I never thought I would be one of chosen,” said Rauls. “I’ve always said I’m just a regular guy who loves athletics and young people.”

The 62-year old Rauls has served in various capacities as a high school teacher, coach, administrator and official in his 40 years in education after graduating from Florida A&M University in 1977. During his four decades in coaching, Rauls is just one of two coaches in the history of Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) to win state titles in both baseball and softball. His baseball title came at New Hope in 1992 while his softball championship came last season at Buckhorn.

Overall, he has posted nearly 750 victories as a head coach in both high school and American Legion organizations.

“I have always been an aggressive coach that believes in strong discipline,” said Rauls. “Working with girls in softball at Buckhorn I’ve sort of toned down my aggressive style, but I still require strong discipline and great character out of all of my athletes.”

Rauls coached at Bob Jones from 2002 to 2005 as an assistant football coach and head baseball coach. Besides his successful work at New Hope and Buckhorn, he also made coaching stops at Sparkman and Butler High Schools and was the head baseball coach at Alabama A&M University for three seasons. He officially retired as a teacher in July 2017, but wants to continue as a coach and looks to another successful year at Buckhorn.

Rauls will also be enshrined into the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame this spring. “Being inducted in the local Hall of Fame is an outstanding honor and I’m tickled to death to be there with so many others,” added Rauls.