The Gateway
Trussville’s Entertainment District celebrates 5 years. See page 10
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Tim Stephens
Trussville’s story isn’t standing still — and neither is this issue.
Five years after the Entertainment District opened its doors, we’re asking the question on many minds: Has it lived up to its promise? Our cover story looks at the district’s economic impact, cultural presence and what’s next for this local landmark.
October also marked a civic milestone, as outgoing Mayor Buddy Choat delivered his final State of the City address before the
transition to mayor-elect Ben Short. It’s a look back — and a handoff forward.
And don’t miss Diane Poole’s profile of Father Gerald Holloway, whose journey from sideline priest to parish pastor is anything but typical. Faith, football and late-night texts come together in one of the most memorable reads of the year.
Thanks, as always, for spending time with your community paper. We're grateful to tell these stories — and to have you with us.
ON THE COVER: With the 5-year anniversary of The Trussville Entertainment District arriving, we look at how the venue has reshaped Trussville and ask whether it has lived up to its promise. Photos by Tosha Gaines.
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Aqua Systems of Birmingham (9)
Art of Drawers (4)
Bromberg’s (13)
Children’s of Alabama (13)
Closets by Design (1)
Grandview Medical (20)
Horton Enterprise Studios (11)
KEYSYS (15)
Legacy Ridge Assisted Living (18)
Leisure Care Salterra at Peachtree (7)
Moss Rock Festival (14, 19)
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At Starnes Media, our editorial approach reflects our values of proactivity, service and achievement. We strive to look ahead in our reporting, explaining how local issues may affect readers and helping them stay connected to their community. Our coverage serves our communities by focusing on news, schools, sports, business, features
One Man & A Toolbox (11)
Red Mountain Theatre Company (5)
South Dallas Turf Farm, Inc. (17)
Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (14)
Space Cadets (4)
STP Heating and Air (19)
The University of Alabama (3)
Trussville Chamber of Commerce (8)
Trussville Gas and Water (6)
Viva Health Care (8)
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Tosha Gaines
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The University of Alabama Where Legends Are Made
At The University of Alabama, you’ll find more than a college education — you’ll find a path to academic excellence, leadership and the foundation to achieve your highest potential. Recognized as one of America’s Top Colleges 2026 by Forbes and ranked among the top 2.4% of global universities by the Center for World University Rankings, UA continues to attract some of the most talented students from across the country and around the world.
UA is home to 1,260 National Merit Scholars currently enrolled, and our alumni have earned some of the nation’s highest honors, including 69 Goldwater Scholars, 17 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars and 45 Hollings Scholars.
In Alabama, more students chose to attend UA in 2025 than any other school in the state. This reflects both the quality of the education offered and the University’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders, innovators and professionals right here at home.
TOP-RANKED ACADEMICS
At UA, you can choose from more than 100 majors in eight undergraduate degree-granting colleges and schools. Many programs rank among the best in the nation, including business, nursing and public relations. If none of the traditional majors are quite right, you can forge your own path through New College, which
allows highly motivated students to customize their own course of study. Additionally, through the Accelerated Master’s Program and the STEM and CREATE Paths to the MBA, high-achieving UA students can work toward a graduate degree while pursuing an undergraduate degree at the same time.
As an R1 research institution, UA offers students access to cutting-edge labs, awardwinning faculty and hands-on research experiences.
Our competition teams, including the robotic mining team Alabama Astrobotics and the Alabama Forensic Council — the University’s speech and debate team — consistently rank first in national competitions.
UNRIVALED STUDENT LIFE
Beyond the classroom, students build leadership skills, discover new passions, and make connections through more than 650 student organizations. Over half of our students find leadership opportunities within these groups, which span a range of interests including academic, social, religious, political, arts and sports. Additionally, 39% of students are involved in UA’s Greek system — one of the largest in the country. You can learn about all of UA’s organizations at Get On Board Day at the beginning of each fall and spring semester.
And if there isn’t an organization to match your interests, UA encourages you to start your own.
PREPARED TO SUCCEED
UA students have access to a range of career-building resources, setting them up for success in their future careers. The UA Career Center hosts numerous career fairs each year, while academic colleges organize their own specialized networking events that connect students with alumni and future employers. When students graduate from UA, they join a global network of 260,000 alumni. Several Young Alumni groups are active across the country to help you make the transition from college student to young professional, as well. From internships and job placements to mentorship and professional development, UA alumni can help open doors in every field and industry.
APPLY TODAY
UA applications are open for the 2026 entry terms. Students who apply by December 5 will receive priority consideration for admission. As part of our commitment to investing in the state’s future leaders, Alabama residents can apply for free through the UA Undergraduate Application for the spring, summer or fall 2026 entry terms.
Short
By MIA WATKINS
Incoming Trussville Mayor Ben Short is inheriting the city at a pivotal time, according to him.
“I’m inheriting a city that is on the rise,” he said. “We have an exciting future ahead of us, and I would say that there are a lot of projects we’ll hopefully be able to implement in time. We’re in a good place and I’m excited to see where Trussville goes.”
Starting Nov. 3, Short will take over from long-time mayor Buddy Choat, who was first elected in 2016. He is also inheriting a $1 million surplus, according to the Oct. 14 City Council meeting.
The two spoke about the transition of power on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Trussville’s annual State of the City Luncheon at the Trussville Civic Center.
Choat addressed the crowd with gratitude as he received a standing ovation.
“It was a great honor to have served you,” he told the crowd. “I tell people that this is probably the best job I've ever had. I have enjoyed it. I’ve had so much support from the community and so much support from our staff and employees.”
Linda Burns, one of Choat’s supporters and a Trussville resident of over 30 years said that she was a big fan of him, but is optimistic about Short’s incoming administration.
“I think he’ll do a great job,” she said of Short. “Having the experience that he’s had on City Council, it’s just a great fit.”
Short, who worked as an employee of Choat’s and with him as a member of the City Council, said he’s grateful for his advice and friendship throughout the years.
“Trussville wouldn’t be what it is without him,” Short said. Short thanks voters for trusting him and is focused on strategic growth in the city going forward.
“The city voted for growth, and it’s just doing that in a more controlled manner as we navigate the challenges that we have with the population of our schools, as well as our infrastructure,” Short said. “It’s going to be very intentional development, but development’s going to continue. We’re going to keep growing.”
He likened population growth in the city to a water faucet that’s been running at full blast.
“We’re going to back that lever off just a little bit to where we can get our subdivision regulations and our master plan updated to account for the growth that we’ve experienced in the city,” Short said.
Choat’s outgoing advice to Short and the incoming City Council members is to work as a team.
“Come in with your eyes open, your ears open,” he said. “Be willing to listen. It’s always better to talk about it than make a decision on your own. … Keep those comments going to each other and learn from each other.”
Outgoing Mayor Buddy Choat and Mayor-elect Ben Short share a moment during the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City luncheon on Oct. 16. Short takes office Nov. 3.
Photo by Mia Watkins.
In the classroom
ACCOLADES
George Logan named Teacher of Year
By APRIL COFFEY
Hewitt-Trussville High School has named George Logan as its 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. Logan teaches the school’s electrical academy courses and also serves as assistant coach for the varsity baseball team. In other news:
► Choir students attend festival: HTHS Chamber Choir students participated in the 53rd annual Festival of Voices at the University of Montevallo on Sept. 16. They joined students from other schools to perform under the direction of Dr. Melinda Doyle, UM’s
Logan
director of choral activities. HTHS alumni Ginny Waid and Sara Buttram performed with both the honor choir and the UM Concert Choir.
► Choral concert held Sept. 22: Students from Hewitt-Trussville Middle and High School presented a joint fall choral concert on Monday, Sept. 22, at the HTHS Performing Arts Center.
► Dimler crowned at Homecoming: Hewitt-Trussville High hosted Pinson Valley High School for its Homecoming football game on Sept. 26. Senior Mary Kate Dimler was crowned Homecoming Queen during halftime.
Scan the QR code (or go to qrco. de/cahabasun) to read the latest schoolhouse news on our website and follow us on social media.
TO KNOW
Hewitt-Trussville Middle teacher Laci Gray
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: Please tell our readers about yourself.
A: I have been teaching for 16 years. I grew up in Trussville and graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 2004. I love teaching in the community that I grew up in. My husband, David, and I have been married for 12
The Gray family
Hewitt-Trussville Middle School. This is my 10th year in Trussville. I previously taught sixth grade science at Irondale Middle School for six years.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A: I love the curiosity that the students have when learning about science.
Business Buzz
HAPPENINGS
COMING SOON
The Reserve, a new private event venue from Ferus Artisan Ales, is set to open soon above Umami in the Trussville Entertainment District at 119 Beech St. The space will accommodate up to 80 guests and feature a heated patio with stage views, a private bar with bartender and in-house catering. Event bookings are already open.
PERSONNEL MOVES
OS1 Sports and Injury Clinic in Trussville has added Dr. Akaash Singh, a sports medicine specialist and Auburn graduate. Singh treats non-surgical musculoskeletal injuries, provides injections and concussion care, and
focuses on helping athletes and active patients return safely to activity. Singh joined the clinic, which opened in 2024, in August. os1clinic.com
ANNIVERSARIES
7 Brew Coffee has marked one year at 5982 Chalkville Mountain Road in Trussville, one of 12 Alabama locations. The drive-thru coffee shop serves
Cahaba Sun is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
classic coffee drinks, smoothies, shakes, energy drinks and more.
479-358-9274
Farrell-Calhoun Paint has reached its one-year milestone at 4477 Valley Road in Trussville, the franchise’s 50th location. The store offers Green Wise paints, primers and coatings designed with quality and environmental care in mind.
205-508-0966
CLOSINGS
Luke’s Hot Dogs & Burgers at 8885 Gadsden Highway recently announced its closure on its Facebook page.
GET TO KNOW
Mr. West’s Asian Kitchen General Manager Rori Peters
By DIANE POOLE
Rori Peters is general manager of Mr. West’s Asian Kitchen, located at 150 Morrow Ave. in Trussville.
Q: What inspired you to bring Mr. West to the Trussville Entertainment District?
A: The owners heard about the plans for the Entertainment District and immediately jumped on the opportunity. They felt it was a perfect fit and decided to move forward.
Q: What makes Mr. West stand out?
A: Our unique menu and friendly staff. Reviews always mention how welcoming our team is.
Q: What are your most popular dishes and drinks?
A: Katsu fried chicken, Korean hot-dipped chicken tenders, teriyaki bowls, and our Friday teriyaki fried rice special. On the drinks side, the jalapeño-spiked Mr. West Margarita, Osaka Spritz, and our Old Fashioned are favorites.
Q: How would you describe the atmosphere?
A: Relaxed but fun, with lots of regulars who love to chat with the staff. It’s great for date nights, but casual enough for everyone.
Q: What else should people know?
A: We also have two other restaurants — EastWest in downtown Birmingham and The Mayor, which opened last year in Lakeview.
SPOTLIGHT
Fox’s Pizza in Trussville is managed by General Manager Jay Carden and his son Adrian, a father-son team dedicated to serving families with great food and friendly service. Photo by Diane Poole.
BIG CHANGES FOR A BIG IMPACT!
Volante of Peachtree is now Salterra at Peachtree — proudly managed by Leisure Care.
We’re excited to bring the Leisure Care difference to Trussville, where award-winning hospitality-driven care and life-enhancing amenities bring living well and wellbeing to life.
At Salterra at Peachtree, residents enjoy personcentered independent living and assisted living tailored to their needs, preferences, and pace.
Fox’s Pizza serves family, flavor, community spirit
By DIANE POOLE
Fox’s Pizza in Trussville is run by general manager Jay Carden and his son, Adrian — a father-son team dedicated to serving families with great food and friendly service. The restaurant opened locally in 2016 and quickly became a neighborhood favorite.
Beyond classic pizzas, customer favorites include chicken Alfredo pizza, meatball
hoagies and signature “wedgies.” Many customers don’t realize Fox’s also offers an extensive pasta menu and hot, ready-toeat meals for quick lunches at the Trussville location.
Locally owned and active in the community, Fox’s supports schools, churches and chamber events while offering convenient pickup, delivery and a welcoming atmosphere.
Backed by nearly 50 years of experience, Leisure Care communities are designed to inspire confidence, comfort, and joy – for residents and their families alike. Leisure Care has repeatedly earned accolades from U.S. News & World Report, is a Great Place to Work® Certified company, and was named among FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Aging Services.
We can’t wait to meet you. Experience the changes –schedule your visit today!
Peters
Recently sold homes
► ADDRESS: 5159 Missy Lane
► BED/BATH: 4/4.5
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PRICE: $569,900
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► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Tim Stephens at tstephens@starnesmedia.com.
TEDDY BEAR RIDE
► Where: Riders Harley-Davidson, 4750 Norrell Drive
► When: Sunday, Nov. 2, registration at 10 a.m.; ride departs 1:30 p.m.
► Cost: No fee; donations accepted
► Details: The 32nd annual Teddy Bear Ride, an escorted motorcycle event benefitting Big Oak Ranch. Riders of all kinds are welcome to gather at Riders Harley-Davidson before heading out to support a Christian home for children in need. Registration opens at 10 a.m. in the HOG Room, with kickstands up at 1:30 p.m.
THE NORTH POLE EXPO
► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Road
► When: Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-22
► Cost: Free
► Details: Enjoy two days of shopping, live entertainment, Santa photo ops, food trucks and family fun. Browse festive booths featuring gifts, décor, crafts, treats and boutique goods — all decked out in holiday spirit. Hosted by the Trussville Civic Center, this free event brings together local vendors and community cheer under one roof.
COMMUNITY CAROLING AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
► Where: West Mall, Chalkville Road
► When: Sunday, Nov. 30, 4-6 p.m. (tree lighting at 5:45 p.m.)
► Cost: Free
► Details: Meet at the Christmas tree on West Mall for music, activities and holiday spirit. The mayor and Santa will light the tree at approximately 5:45 p.m. Chalkville Road will be closed in front of the tree from 3:45-6:15 p.m. Hosted by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by First Baptist Church Trussville.
The Gateway
Trussville’s Entertainment District celebrates 5 years
By DIANE POOLE
Five years after the first crowds gathered behind a brick wall that now reads “Trussville Entertainment,” the city’s downtown district is no longer an experiment. What began as a bold experiment in walkability, nightlife and small business growth has settled into a permanent part of Trussville’s civic landscape.
Mayor Buddy Choat remembers the idea forming on a family beach trip.
“I had the vision when I saw it along 30A, a place called The Hub,” he said. “They had a stage, turf, food trucks around it — and it just worked. I thought, ‘This is really cool.’”
Architect Dave Reese and developer Coby Lake also visited the site, and together the group shaped a plan for a Trussville version.
The early vision was modest: a U-shaped plaza tucked behind a wall. But as more property became available — the old Bell Company, sporting goods shops and motels — the project expanded. Roads were reconfigured, new parking lots purchased, and eventually the space took on a broader identity as part of the Gateway District, which now spans much of downtown.
A CITY TRANSFORMED
Councilman Alan Taylor said the change is hard to overstate.
“When you think back to what was down there — broken-down buildings, not much happening — and you look at it now, it’s night and day. Visit on a weekend and families are everywhere. It transformed our city.”
Taylor said the first word that comes to mind is family. While some assumed “entertainment district” meant nightlife, he sees a different reality.
“Every time I go, I see kids out in front of the stage, families at picnic tables, people eating dinner together. That was the intent all along — a place for Trussville families.”
ECONOMIC ENGINE
City leaders hoped the development would keep residents in town while bringing in new dollars. Choat said Coby Lake initially projected about $20 million in annual revenue
from his brewery and restaurants. With spinoffs like Hero Doughnuts & Buns, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, Half Shell Oyster House and new boutiques on Highway 11, those numbers have already been surpassed.
Today, the district is home to about a dozen businesses, with more lining the surrounding blocks. Choat points to sales tax, infrastructure improvements and steady crowds as proof the gamble paid off.
“People no longer have to leave Trussville for entertainment,” he said.
FERUS AT THE CENTER
Ferus has been the district’s cornerstone business since the beginning. The brewery and restaurant helped anchor entertainment programming from day one and remains the center of activity five years in.
Venue manager Raquel Duplin said the difference between year one and now is staggering.
“The first year, we only had two concerts. Now we’re nearing 1,000 events in five years. We’ll likely hit that milestone by the end of this year,” she said.
Programming has expanded far beyond concerts. Movie nights, trivia, bingo and art classes fill the calendar, while the Saturday morning Farmers Market has been “tremendous,” according to Duplin.
“It brings people out early, and they stay until after 11, which is when most of us open.”
Restaurant manager Wyatt Wilson said the growth has been fueled by collaboration among businesses.
“We were the only one here in the beginning, so we’ve had to evolve. What makes this place unique is that all the businesses work together. We’re not just stand-alone businesses; we support each other, and it makes us stronger.”
Sports tournaments also bring in new faces.
“Families come here for lunch, many for the first time, and they’re blown away,” Wilson said.
A PLACE FOR FAMILIES
For residents like Judy Coleman, The Gateway has become part of weekly life.
“We bring our chairs and listen to the band almost every
Ferus Artisan Ales
Buddy Choat, the former Trussville mayor, visits the Trussville Entertainment District. Staff photo. Corbeau Wine Bar. Photos by Tosha Gaines. Pinchgut Pies
weekend — almost every Friday and Saturday night,” she said. “It’s a family thing for us: our son sometimes joins us, as well as other family members.”
While concerts are the main draw, the family also enjoys dining in the district.
“It’s great entertainment for as little or as much as you want to spend,” Coleman added. “Sometimes we just enjoy the music, and other times we’ll eat at one of the restaurants, too.”
CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY
Growth hasn’t come without strain.
“The biggest challenge is traffic,” Taylor said. “But traffic means you’re thriving. If you don’t want traffic problems,
there are cities that don’t have them — but they also don’t have A+ rated schools or the amenities we have here.”
Weather is another obstacle, Duplin added. This year’s wet spring left several Friday night concerts soggy. Smaller events can be moved inside, but headline shows can’t be rescheduled.
The original idea of ticketed concerts also faded once restaurants opened inside the gates. Free programming now defines the district.
“Some of the talent is amazing,” Duplin said. “In Birmingham, you’d pay to hear that same band. Here, it’s free.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Both Choat and Taylor see opportunity in the next five
years. Vacant storefronts on Highway 11 could host new restaurants. The long-term hope is to redevelop the former Marvin’s property across the railroad tracks and connect it with a pedestrian bridge.
For Taylor, the future is about steady growth.
“You’re either moving forward or backing up,” he said. “I hope we keep improving our roads, our schools, and continue adding to what we’ve built here.”
Choat frames it as less of a personal legacy than a community milestone.
“When we came into office in 2016, Valley Road and downtown were our two priorities. The bond issue funded both. It’s been rewarding to see people enjoy it.”
Musical events at The Gateway draw crowds on weekends while also driving traffic to local businesses.
Purple Madness, a Prince tribute band, lights up the stage. The venue hosts a wide range of performers, from country to classic rock.
Spectators pack the grounds on a warm summer night to enjoy live music at The Gateway.
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Under the Lights Mid-season highlights
The regular season is behind us, and the playoffs are upon us. Hewitt-Trussville High School put together a strong regular season and is looking to make a playoff push this month. Here are some highlights from the middle portion of the regular season.
Caden Ali: Defensive starter Caden Ali intercepted a pass in the win over Pinson Valley.
WR Dylan Cope: The senior receiver, a Virginia commit, has been a reliable go-to target in the passing game for the Huskies. Against Pinson Valley, Cope had a big game, catching five passes for 101 yards and two scores.
Photos by Shawn Bowles, Frank Couch and Michael Jackson.
QB Jack Floyd: The freshman signal caller stepped in early in the season, following the injury of starter Zach Benedict. Floyd has been effective in most games, including a 13-of-15 performance against Pinson Valley, in which he threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 65 yards and a touchdown in the game.
Hewitt-Trussville defense: The unit has continued to be among the state’s best. The Huskies pitched a shutout against region foe Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa on Sept. 19, holding the Patriots to just 123 total yards.
RB Deuce
Kentucky commit had a huge game in the win over
for 184 yards and two touchdowns.
RB James Kelly: The senior athlete has been a weapon both out of the backfield and in the passing game for the Huskies. In a key win over Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Kelly had 71 receiving yards and 29 rushing yards for 100 total yards.
Amazing
happens
When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries and innovations happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures. And it benefits not only the patients and families who come to Children’s of Alabama, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.
Childrens AL •org
We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics East. To schedule an appointment at either the Trussville or Deerfoot locations visit www.pediatricseast.org
Alston: The
Vestavia Hills, rushing
SPORTS
Talsma’s steady hand keeps Huskies defense among state’s best
By KYLE PARMLEY
The Hewitt-Trussville High School football team does not deal with failure all that often. The Huskies are a playoff fixture, heading to the postseason for the sixth straight season this fall. The program has only missed out on the playoffs a handful of times in the last 30 years.
But when the Huskies endure a twogame losing streak, like they did earlier this season after tough losses to Thompson and Prattville, defensive coordinator Sean Talsma and his staff don’t change anything the following week.
“We just get back to basics,” Talsma said. “We pride ourselves on getting our kids to remember what our standard is, and playing to that standard regardless of who the opponent is.”
Talsma has been the defensive coordinator at Hewitt-Trussville since the 2019 season, coming over following a highly successful tenure at powerhouse Clay-Chalkville.
This year’s unit is among the best in
Class 7A, pitching a pair of shutouts in the first half of the season. It was going to be a tall task to back up the greatness of the 2024 defense — which was statistically the best in 7A, allowing only 9.5 points per game — but the 2025 version is still tough.
Parker Floyd leads the way in the middle of the defense, starting at linebacker for the third straight year and likely to finish with over 300 career tackles when this
The Huskies defense swarms a JAG ballcarrier during a game in August. The Huskies again have one of the top defenses in the state. Photo by Shawn Bowles.
season concludes. Woogie Crawford at outside linebacker has been a force this year, including a 17-tackle game against Prattville.
Baasel Alabsi plays along the defensive line and recently committed to UT Martin. D’ante Seals is a force up front for the Huskies as well, and Talsma mentioned Harrison Malone as a steady linebacker who often gets overlooked.
On the back end, guys like Will Phillips, Hayden Chauvin, Caden Ali, Ethan Ridley and Simeon Watson are major contributors, as well.
Talsma loves working for head coach Josh Floyd, who has empowered and trusted Talsma to take care of the defense. Talsma also has a staff of assistants Dylan Haraway, Ben Ramer, Danny Ward, Shaq Jones and a few others who have been key in driving the success of holding opponents’ offenses in check.
The 2025 version of the Huskies has proven to have the potential to make a playoff run. Matchups in the playoffs are always a wild card, but as the saying goes, “defense travels.”
That Hewitt-Trussville defense will be ready to go when the time comes. No matter whether the Huskies are playing an overmatched foe or a top-ranked team, Talsma’s mantra remains consistent.
“I’m going to preach the same thing, the message doesn’t change: no explosives, create turnovers, negative plays and play our best game of the year,” he said.
Faces of Trussville
Butter, love and 30 years of baking magic
By TOSHA GAINES
If butter and love had a spokesperson, it would be Prissy Anderson. She has been baking for more than 30 years, long before Alabama’s cottage law made home baking official. What started with a Julia Child recipe turned into her own signature sweets and breads with Prissy Cakes.
For Prissy, baking is not just a business. It is therapy. It is joy. It is family. In her kitchen, recipes are more than instructions. They are memories. Every Thanksgiving her family fills the kitchen with casseroles, deviled eggs and laughter while Prissy whips up her famous sweet potato casserole. At Christmas she gifts her legendary breads, wrapped and ready for sharing.
For more details, call 205-3058924 or check out facebook.com/ prissycakes415.
Prissy Anderson works on some of the sweet treats she makes for her home bakery business. Photos by Tosha Gaines.
COMMUNITY
Faith, football and the long game
How Father Gerald Holloway went from reluctant seminarian to Alabama team chaplain — and why his ministry still echoes on the field and in the pews
By DIANE POOLE
When two women at his “priestless parish” told middle school math and science teacher Gerald Holloway he should consider the priesthood, he brushed it off. Then a seventh grader said the same thing. A friend’s homily on vocations finally hit a nerve: Do you ever pray for vocations for yourself? Holloway was irritated at first — until the diocese’s vocation director appeared with a manila envelope. Inside: an application.
“It took me a long time to fill it out,” he said, laughing. “I sent it in thinking, ‘They’ll never choose me.’” On a Friday the 13th in August 1993, the bishop called from World Youth Day in Denver. The good news: the diocese would send him to seminary. The hard news: “Be there next Friday at 2 p.m.”
He packed his car, promising himself it would be just one year. Then came the tripwires he thought would disqualify him — each one becoming confirmation instead.
A summer in Nicaragua confronted him with stark poverty and surprising devotion. “Those people had every reason not to like God — no agencies, no safety net,” he said. “But when we arrived, everyone stopped to come to Mass with us.”
Back home, his hospital chaplaincy assignment felt like another non-starter. “Two things I don’t like — hospitals and death,” he admitted. His very first night brought two code blues, a grieving mother and a young doctor second-guessing herself.
“I planned to quit the next morning,” he said. “Driving back, God put it in my heart: What else are you going to do? Every obstacle you set up, you’ve passed.” Six months later he was ordained a deacon in New Orleans; six months after that, a priest for the Diocese of Birmingham. “God wasn’t taking no for an answer,” he said.
FROM A BURNED CHURCH TO THE SIDELINES
Assigned “for one year” to St. Francis Xavier in Birmingham, Holloway arrived 12 days before the church burned.
“I told the bishop he could send me back. He said, ‘No — you’ve got your work cut out for you.’”
Two and a half years later, Holloway asked for campus ministry — imagining UAB. The diocese asked if the University
of Alabama would do.
It would.
His first head coach was Mike Shula, who invited him to serve as team chaplain for home games and help find priests for road games. After Shula’s departure, Nick Saban arrived.
“I figured I’d never see him,” Holloway said. “Then that Sunday he just walked in — ‘Good morning’ — like any parishioner.”
Soon, Holloway was celebrating Mass before every game. For early games, Mass was the night before. And if you weren’t Catholic, there was a Protestant service as well, led by Jeremiah Castille.
“Attendance was optional, but Coach was always there for Mass,” Holloway said. “But he made me nervous. He took notes. Then later I went to the locker room, and I saw what he was doing. It was on the walls. He did everything he could to form these players to be the best men they can be — on and off the field.”
The stories stack up. A young assistant came faithfully to every service but never received Communion.
“I finally asked why. He said, ‘I’m not Catholic, Father.’ We started meeting on Fridays. I brought him into the Church.”
Years later, a coach’s daughter told Holloway her parents still talk about the impact he had on their family. Players would text from new NFL cities to schedule confession when they were back in town.
“I’d say, ‘There are a lot of priests in New York.’ They’d say, ‘No, I gotta do confession with you. I’ll see you when I
come through.’”
He said, “I don’t judge. They know that.”
Mass before games followed a familiar rhythm — same setup, same seats. Newcomers learned quickly.
“Ryan Kelly had his spot,” Holloway said with a laugh. “A freshman plopped down there and Ryan said, ‘Find yourself another seat.’”
He also saw the human side of Saban. Once, ushers were short-handed and asked the coach to help with the collection.
“I said, ‘Oh no, that’ll be a distraction,’” Holloway recalled. “Saban didn’t say a word — just took up the collection.” Donations spiked. “The next time, I told the ushers, ‘Give him the basket back.’”
Another time, a small child toddled up during church and asked Saban his name.
“Coach said, ‘Nick.’ The boy ran back to his mom and said, ‘His name’s Nick!’ He was always kind with kids.”
Holloway’s favorite goosebump moment?
“The last-second throw to the corner against Auburn — the Isaiah Bond catch. I never did ‘Rammer Jammer,’” he said. “That day, I did.”
The sideline offered surprises, too.
“I got hit once — on national TV,” he said. “Coach Cochran picked me up and said, ‘You’ll be sore in the morning.’ From then on, I kept one eye on the field.”
Championship rings came with the territory.
“People ask me to come speak about, for example, Lent, and then the day before, they’ll call and ask if I can bring one
Father Gerald Holloway leads Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Trussville. He previously served as a team chaplain for the University of Alabama football program, building relationships with players and coaches that endure today. Photo by Diane Poole.
of those rings. I’ll smile and say, ‘You don’t want me to talk about Lent, do you?’ And they’ll say, ‘No, we want you to come talk about football.’ So I tell them, ‘Sure, I’ll bring the last ring I got.’”
When asked what he learned from Coach Saban that carried over into his ministry, Holloway said: “Perspective,” referencing a loss against South Carolina.
The next day at Mass, a woman fainted. Once things had settled, Holloway passed Coach Saban, who simply said: “This really puts perspective on a loss, doesn’t it?”
FROM TEAM CHAPLAIN TO PARISH PASTOR
After leaving the university, Holloway led a parish where the average age was about 75.
“When a baby came in, I got excited,” he said. “If they cried, I’d say, ‘Bring that baby back. That’s life.’”
When the assignment at Holy Infant in Trussville opened, he asked for it.
“First question I asked: ‘Any children?’” He’s been inviting them ever since. “The noisier the better,” he said. “It means the Church is alive. That sound is a song of praise — and the future.”
Under his watch, the parish youth group has flourished. After summer camp, he asked a seventh grader how it went.
“He said, ‘I grew closer to God,’” Holloway said, still delighted. “That blew me away.”
His experience with athletes and coaches translates directly. “It keeps me focused on people over procedures,” he said. “Rules matter, but what matters most is building the Kingdom
right here on Highway 11 — welcoming the young, encouraging the old, bringing people back.”
When asked what faith and football have in common, Holloway didn’t hesitate: “Perseverance.”
“You can’t be a ‘sometimes’ football player,” he said. On Sundays after late road trips — “home at 2 a.m., Mass at 9” — he watched as so many showed up. “They had practice at 1:00. They could have slept in. That speaks volumes.”
He continued, “Faith also requires perseverance. What goes on inside this building must continue outside this building. If you call yourself a Christian, you represent God — at home, at work, in the world.”
As for what he hopes endures from his chaplain years, Holloway points to relationships — weddings he’s celebrated, children he’s baptized, text threads that light up when former players win big on Sundays.
“I’d like to think I shared God with them,” he said. “And they encouraged me to be the best priest I can be. We all make mistakes. I do. My people pull me back.”
Looking ahead, he’s inspired by Pope Francis’ Year of Hope and what he sees every weekend at Holy Infant.
“We hope in God’s mercy — his love, his care, his forgiveness,” he said. “Let this church be a shining example of that in Trussville.”
Asked how he wants to be remembered by the people he served on the sideline and in the pews, Holloway kept it simple:
“For my presence,” he said. “That I represented God — there with them.”
A screen shot from a national television broadcast captures Father Gerald Holloway next to Alabama Coach Nick Saban on the Crimson Tide sideline. Holloway got an up-close view to the Crimson Tide’s greatest moments of the Saban Era. Photo courtesy of Gerald Holloway.
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