Celebrating the communities of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County
am so excited to profile my friend and fellow councilwoman, Jennifer Andress, the new—and first female—mayor of Homewood (page 18). Jennifer has been a dedicated public servant long before her name ever appeared on a ballot. She has served her community faithfully for the past nine years, and I am excited to see what the next four years hold!
And speaking of boss women, I talked to two amazing female physicians who are balancing family and career with aplomb (page 24). We also have a cool story about local spearfishermen Mitch Bruhn and Forest Phillips on page 20 and a profile on Mountain Brook native Father Russell Levenson, Jr. and his new book Witness to Belief, Conversations on Faith and Meaning (page 16).
And to bring it back full circle to the girls, Loyd McIntosh profiles Mountain Brook Cross Country star Georgia Jayne Stuckey in sports (page 27). Let’s Go Girls!
–BARRY WISE SMITH
SCHOOL DAZE
School days are the happiest That we will ever know— Especially when all our kids Are old enough to go.
from Puns Not Guns by Charles Ghigna
Regions Field was the setting for the Mike Slive Foundation’s annual Blue Shoe Ball on Sept. 4. Guests at the black-tie optional, blue shoes-required event sipped on drinks, nibbled on great food and bid on items in the live and silent auctions. This year’s honoree was Auburn Head Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl. The ball is a fundraiser for the Mike Slive Foundation, a national organization dedicated to eradicating prostate cancer through public awareness and research funding. OTMJ When two leading healthcare systems come together, extraordinary things happen. As Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital — now strengthened by award-winning healthcare leader Orlando Health — we are bringing you expert medical care with the patient-first approach you deserve. With an even brighter future ahead, we’re excited to enhance exceptional, faith-based care in your community. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BaptistHealthAL.com/BrookwoodHospital
September 13 was a night of strength and celebration for young breast cancer survivors in Alabama at the Unmasking Hope Breast Cancer Gala PinkTopps Inc. The semi-formal event at City Club Birmingham, which featured provided masquerade masks for guests, honored Jordan Collins, Holli Owen, Sheila Williams and Viereck Johann. PinkTopps Inc. is a nonprofit organization focusing on early detection for breast cancer for women and men under 40. OTMJ
uests traveled through music to vibrant Budapest with a concert by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Carlos Izcaray. “A Night in Budapest,” the ball’s theme, was hosted by Joel and Karen Piassick on Sept. 20 in honor of conductor Carlos Izcaray. The symphony’s largest fundraiser of the year, the ball’s hosts were Gail & Jeffrey Bayer, Amy & Danny McKinney, and the ball committee included: Farra Alford, Dalton and Jon Blankenship, Dell Brooke, Dixon Brooke, Jr., Douglas Croker, Emma and Peter Curtin, Jen Dent, Nancy Goedecke, Jim Gorrie, Melanie and Jay Grinney, Ronne & Donald Hess, Jonathan Hoffmann, Chuck Holmes, Faye and Robert Levin, Charlie Miller, Maggie and Tyler O’Connor, Zac Riddle, Rusty Rushton and Nick Willis. OTMJ
Hello!
This is Chris Swicord DMD your local Dentist, located in Homewood at Smile Craft Cosmetic and Family Dentistry!
Halloween is coming up, one of my favorite Holidays! I love some cheesy 80’s horror movie classics. But, there are some things out there scarier than vampires, ghouls and goblins… Something that sounds like it even comes out of a SciFi movie!
Have you heard of Periodontitis?
This sneaky and hidden oral mouth disease affects almost 1 out of 2 people you see every day! Bacteria can team up together and penetrate deep into your gums, damaging the bone and connective tissues around your teeth. This can lead to tooth loss, or worse… And for most, this disease is painlessly, unknowingly
damaging your body.
Believe it or not, the bacteria that cause periodontitis have been found in the brains of victims with Alzheimer’s, it can damage the heart, and can make diabetes worse! Untreated periodontitis can even have a negative impact on pregnancies!
You read that right. The bacteria that infect your mouth, can actually infect your brain, heart, and cause many other issues… Sounds like a villain from a SciFi movie right??
Fortunately, its easy to detect and easy to treat when you catch it early! Screening with perio probing and x-rays can detect this disease before it does serious damage. For individuals that do have it, don’t worry. Deep cleanings can cure most people. Other more severe cases should see a Periodontist.
If you have any questions please reach out! (205) 637-6018. We at Smile Craft would be happy to evaluate anyone and help you get healthy again!
Happy Halloween!
Let us help you achieve a radiant smile that boosts your confidence every day.
We believe in treating each patient like family. Dr. Swicord (pictured) and his team with Dr. Harb are enthusiastic about getting to know each of you, understanding your dental goals, and ensuring that our practice continues to provide the quality, trusted care you expect.
Under Dr. Swicord’s ownership, Smile Craft will continue to offer the services you rely on, from regular checkups to cosmetic treatments and everything in between. We are committed to maintaining a warm, professional environment where your dental health is always our top priority.
We offer Cosmetic, Preventative, Restorative, Orthodontic Aligners and Emergency Services to our patients. We accept many insurances, and we also offer discounts to uninsured patients! Payment options are available for patients to get the treatment they want and need without breaking the bank.
Your perfect smile starts here, book an appointment today!
Aseated dinner, live and silent auctions and a wine pull were among the highlights of the Tulip Gala on Sept. 18 at the Country Club of Birmingham. Guests also enjoyed a cocktail reception, a raffle and music by Dr. Harrison Walker and Cooper and Johnson Trent. The black-tie optional event was in support of the Parkinson Association of Alabama, which raises funds for research and to help support Alabama families affected by Parkinson’s Disease. OTMJ
Since 2017, we’ve invested more than $1 million in grants for initiatives that fuel growth and community pride. Let’s keep making tracks for good. Together.
Macaroni and Cheese was the star of the show on Sept. 21 at Community Grief Support’s 8th annual Mac + Cheese Festival at Back Forty Beer Company. A variety of Birmingham restaurants, food trucks, caterers, corporate teams and chefs prepared their versions of the South’s favorite comfort food for guests to taste and rank as their favorite. The band Southern Choice provided entertainment for the event, which benefits Community Grief Support. OTMJ
For 50 years, The Altamont School has nurtured core values of respect, integrity, balance, curiosity and leadership for students in grades 5-12. We do that by remaining not merely private, but independent—providing on our own terms the courses, content and unique programs that best serve the families who choose Altamont. We read the books we want to read. We live our values. We welcome you for who you are.
Join us for our Open House to learn why families make the independent school choice!
he Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) hosted another successful Wild Game Cook-Off on September 18th at the Birmingham Zoo. This year’s event featured music by the ‘Hams as well as a variety of wild game dishes, raffle giveaways like shotguns and auction items like a South African Plains Game Safari, an Argentina Dove Hunt, a quail hunt at Soggy Bottom Lodge plus fishing and golf trips. Sponsors included Brasfield and Gorrie, Alabama Power, BCBS of Alabama, Vulcan Materials and Altec to name a few. OTMJ
Prost! Guests donned their best dirndls and lederhosen to celebrate Cahaba Brewing Co.’s annual release of their Oktoberfest seasonal beer. On. Sept. 20, a festive day of beer, bites and Bavarian cheer included wiener dog races, a stein hoisting contest, a keg toss competition, live music, a specialty menu from The Current and the ArtOber art market featuring wares from local artists. Limited-edition steins and brewery merch were available for purchase. OTMJ
ig Brothers Big Sisters has been around Birmingham for 50 years and served over 1,200 youth last year ages seven to 18. This critical nonprofit has a list of over 90 boys and girls who are waiting to be matched with a mentor.
Andrew and Kristian were awarded Big and Little Brother of the year:
FROM BIG BROTHER ANDREW
“Kristian was eight years old when he and I started out. For those first couple of years, we just “had fun” the way any eight-year-old likes to have fun (playground, basketball, jump park etc.). Kristian enrolled in 7th grade football, and from my vantage point, this
was the conduit that changed everything for Kristian up until present day. My match with Kristian has empowered me to live out my purpose and make a difference. I’ve shared with many friends how I believe we overthink what it takes to be a Big Brother, allowing that to hold us back.”
FROM LITTLE BROTHER KRISTIAN
“Nothing compares to the feeling I have when I look up and see Andrew at my games or get the exciting video when he saw me on TV at our big rivalry game. He taught me how to be an upstanding man. I admire how he’s there for me along with his family and how he takes care of them. I honestly can’t imagine my life if he wasn’t a part of it.” OTMJ
left: Big Brothers Big Sisters Birmingham Board President, Chris Parton, C.E.O. Sue. S. Johnson, Kristian and Andrew, Little and Big Brother of the Year.
Left to right, Camellia Garden Club officers and committee chairs: Katrina DeMedicis, President; Bonnie Stockel, 2nd Vice President; Linda Corliss, 3rd Vice President; Gail Webb, Secretary; Ellise Mayor, Treasurer; Genoa McPhatter, Parliamentarian; Beth Hamer, Devotional Leader and Phyllis Tinsley, Publicity.
Not pictured: Marsha Drennen—1st Vice President
Vintage vases filled with fresh flowers were created for those who were ill or couldn’t attend the Garden Club meetings. The flowers will hopefully brighten their day and remind members that they are still a valuable part of the gardening community. OTMJ
The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce is hosting its signature community supper, Harvest on Hoyt, on Sunday, October 19, from 4–8 p.m. in Crestline Village. Now in its second year, this event—presented by Finch Fine Wines—invites neighbors to gather around the table for a seasonal feast, live music and community connection.
The evening begins with a lively Happy Hour from 4–5 p.m., followed by a
four-course dinner curated by Dyron’s Lowcountry. Guests can expect an unforgettable dining experience paired with drinks, music and the charm of Hoyt Lane transformed into an intimate community table.
Proceeds from Harvest on Hoyt will benefit the Leadership Mountain Brook Class, supporting their student-led community improvement projects. To learn more or purchase tickets visit mtnbrookchamber.org call (205) 871-3779 or email chamber@mtnbrookchamber.org. OTMJ
The Linly Heflin Unit will celebrate its 66th annual Scholarship Fashion Show on Wednesday, October 15 at The Club. The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by the fashion show at 7 p.m.
The annual fashion show is the primary fundraiser for Linly Heflin and will be presented in partnership with Gus Mayer. The event will highlight featured designer Hilton Hollis as well as the latest fashions from Gus Mayer. The Show’s chair is Courtney Stephens with co-chair Kathleen Doss, and Linly Helfin’s President is Virginia Phillips. Visit linlyheflin.org for more information or to purchase tickets to the show. OTMJ
Levenson’s newest book, Witness to Belief, set out to profile public figures whose lives are quietly but deeply shaped by faith.
Levenson, Jr. on faith, kindness and his new book Witness to Belief.
BY LEE HURLEY
Mountain Brook resident Russell Levenson has a new book coming out in October called Witness to Belief, Conversations on Faith and Meaning, further proof he has entered the next chapter in a life and career that has blended pulpit ministry, leadership of the largest Episcopal congregation in the country and a close and spiritual relationship with President George and Barbara Bush. The book, Levenson’s eighth, features conversations with 12 prominent individuals whose faith has (in different ways) carried them through the highs and lows that life gives all of us. More on that in a bit.
Born and raised in Mountain Brook, Russell Levenson had a good idea that he wanted to enter the ministry after graduating from Birmingham-Southern College, but when he went to see Episcopal Bishop Bill Stough for his blessing, the revered Bishop told him to “go get a job, make some money then come back and see me.” Disappointed, yet heeding the advice, Levenson went to work for Neal Berte at his alma mater, married the love of his life Laura and later served as John Claypool’s youth minister at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church until he had proven to himself and others that this calling was for real.
With their two young children in tow, the Levensons packed their bags and left for Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. After graduating in 1992, the young priest accepted a positon as the undergraduate chaplain at the University of the South— Sewanee. Levenson says, “My boss, a great guy and mentor, assured me he would be there for the next five years. Three months later he was recruited to another church and left the following spring.” So, the Levensons jumped at the offer to come home and again serve with John Claypool.
Yet as military officers and episcopal priests will tell you, the way to gain responsibility is to
keep moving, which is exactly what they did, first to Lafayette, Louisiana where he became the rector of The Episcopal Church of The Ascension, and then to the rectors post at Christ Episcopal Church in Pensacola—a calling and lifestyle the Levensons felt grateful for. “We were 10 minutes from the beach, we had a wonderful congregation, the kids loved it and I thought, well, we’ll retire here,” he says. God had other plans.
One day Levenson got a call. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston needed a new rector. Would he consider it? “Laura and I were very happy where we were,” Levenson says. “All four of our parents were alive, just a few hours away. And we had been told there were over 100 people being considered for the position.” Initially resistant, Russell came home one night and said “they’re really praying for
whoever it’s going to be along with their family and children and if they’re doing that, we should too.” Weeks later they were off to Houston for three days of interviews. “We finally met at the Omni Hotel, and the chairman of the search committee said, ‘We want you to be our next rector.’ We were shocked. He had tears in his eyes, and Laura did too.”
ST. MARTIN’S AND THE BUSH FAMILY
Levenson served nearly 17 years as rector of St. Martin’s from 2007 to 2024, describing his years there as “a great run,” which is an understatement. When he arrived, membership had grown under previous leadership, but during his tenure the church expanded from roughly 7,900 members to more than 10,000, supported by a staff of over 200. He guided the congregation through major building programs and oversaw strong governance with full vestry support. Asked one time what it was like to lead a parish that size he said, “Well, we have 18,000 events a year. That’s 40 to 60 a day. Everything from a Thursday women’s Bible study to three groups of women who play mahjong. There are 35 recovery groups that meet on campus every week, plus several men’s Bible studies and many outreach ministries. A lot going on.”
His most high-profile parishioners were the 41st President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, whose quiet but consistent presence in the pews soon grew into a warm personal relationship. President Bush first welcomed Levenson with a phone call when he accepted the Houston post and later wrote personal notes to Russell and Laura’s parents to ease their transition. “That floored me,” Levenson says. Over the years, the Levensons joined the Bushes for dinners, outings to baseball games and theater, as well as summers in Kennebunkport, Maine, where Levenson says the Bush family cottages were comfortable but far from lavish. The Bushes faithfully attended services when in town, accompanied
discreetly by Secret Service agents, and never sought special treatment in worship. Levenson recalls President Bush’s kindness, humility and refusal to speak ill of others—even after political defeats—as well as Barbara Bush’s wit and occasional pointed remarks. Their friendship endured through milestone moments, including Bush’s skydiving, his recovery from a broken neck accident in Kennebunkport and ultimately at their bedside at the end of their lives.
Beyond his parish leadership, Levenson has been a prolific author. He began with several devotional works that found a wide readership and later published a golf-themed book called In God’s Grip: What Golf Can Teach Us about the Gospel, later reissued with a foreword by broadcaster Jim Nantz. His most widely recognized work, Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush (2022), chronicled his relationship with the Bushes and offered intimate reflections on their faith, humility and kindness. Levenson had not considered writing this new book until he realized just how much the family’s kindness and compassion set an example for others. “People wrote to tell me that, inspired by George and Barbara’s story, they had gone back to church, re-engaged in worship and began practicing prayer and Bible study,” Levenson says. “What inspired them? Not a sermon I preached, but the witness of two people who possessed all the world has to offer and yet in the end knew that their faith was their most important gift.”
Levenson’s newest book, Witness to Belief, set out to profile public figures whose lives are quietly but deeply shaped by faith. The book gathers a dozen conversations with well-known individuals—from actors Denzel Washington, Gary Sinise and Sam Waterston to leaders like Nikki Haley, James Baker and Jane Goodall—
offering intimate glimpses into their spiritual practices and personal stories. Levenson approached each as a pastor, not a journalist, recording their reflections on prayer, resilience and purpose and praying with those who asked. The result is a collection that highlights how faith is lived in diverse ways outside the church, showing us that belief and devotion can thrive in the most public of lives.
Living in the house he grew up in as a kid, Russell remembers hanging out with his wife Laura’s older brother riding banana seat bikes and skateboarding throughout Cherokee Bend. Those days are gone, but thankfully he still has his bride of 41 years to keep his manners and humility in check. While Levenson might be retired, that should not conjure up thoughts
of long naps on a lazy Monday afternoon. His upcoming book tour starts in Connecticut and continues on for weeks, his prolific writing habit includes a novel, which has already been accepted by a publisher, his garden produces peppers that he uses to make homemade hot sauce, he experiments with soap-making, he manages two fish tanks— one salt and the other fresh—his banjoes, guitars and ukuleles hang on the wall and are in tune, and he is a self-described dabbler in light painting.
Ambassador Nikki Haley could have been easily describing Russell Levenson when she said, “The best way of reaching out with your faith is to help others. I think it is so important to live your life in a way that people want to be close to you and get to know you more...,” Amen. OTMJ
October 11 at 3 p.m. Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Pl. S., in Homewood
Sunday, October 20 at 10 a.m. Book Forum, 11 a.m.
Worship followed by fellowship and book signing at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3736 Montrose Road, Mountain Brook
BY BARRY WISE SMITH
Using running analogies in a story about Jennifer Andress is a no-brainer. Andress is an accomplished runner who has completed 10 marathons and dozens of other shorter races, logging more miles on her feet than some people do in their cars.
But her latest race wasn’t of the actual running variety but rather the political type when she ran for Homewood mayor and won the election in a landslide, making her Homewood’s first female mayor.
This isn’t Andress’ first political rodeo though, having served as one of Homewood’s Ward 5 Councilors for the past nine years. Elected to the council in 2016, Andress has been a staunch advocate for connectivity, walkability, regional collaboration and open communication and has established herself as a respected public servant.
A Texas native, Andress first dipped her toe into politics as a student at The University
of Texas Austin when she ran for Student Government representative (another race she won big). After completing her term, Andress briefly considered staying on at Texas for a fifth year to run as Student Government President but changed her mind, taking a sales job that moved her to Atlanta.
In Atlanta, Andress started her community service journey by volunteering with Hands on Atlanta, an organization that connects volunteers with nonprofit organizations and schools in need. She also rediscovered her love for running (Andress ran cross country in high school but hadn’t run much while at Texas). After a brief move to Baltimore, in 1995, Andress’ sales job with Johnson & Johnson brought her to Birmingham, where she was born and still had family.
In 2002, Andress married her husband Keith, an attorney. Keith already lived in Homewood, so when they married, they decided to stay in the city but moved to a house in the Hollywood neighborhood, where they still live today. “I always loved Hollywood and still do,” Andress says. “I love walking
those streets, and the hills and homes and the kids and the dogs. I just love it so much.”
Very soon after that, Andress had her two sons—John in 2003 and Will in 2004—who were both diagnosed with hearing loss. Right before Will’s birth, Andress was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery and went through treatment after he was born. Andress quit her sales job and decided to stay at home, but all along, Andress stayed civically active, volunteering at the Woolley Institute for Spoken-Language Education (then called the Alabama School of Hearing) where her son Will was in the inaugural class in 2009, serving as the PTO President at Shades Cahaba Elementary School and as the Birmingham Track Club (BTC) President.
As BTC President, Andress became interested in community connectivity, specifically a pedestrian bridge that would connect Homewood and Mountain Brook over Highway 280. This idea inspired her to run for the Homewood City Council in 2016, a race she won, and
“I want to be visible and accessible to people. I want people to see me in the community.”
–jennifer andress
Andress has been serving ever since.
During her tenure on the City Council, Andress chaired the Planning & Development Committee and served as the council liaison on the Planning Commission, serves on the Jefferson County Greenway’s commission (is a past chair) and was an early member and past chair of JC3—the Jefferson County Councilors Coalition—which has members from councils around the metro area who work together to advance regional cooperation. Andress also works as the External Affairs and Special Projects Director for Freshwater Land Trust, a day job that keeps her inextricably tied to her favorite topic of connectivity.
“Connectivity really is the secret sauce that makes communities special,” Andress says. “I’m so proud that during my time on Council, we were able to open the second phase of the Shades Creek Greenway, and there’s more to come!” The most recent trail count on the Greenway counted 135,000 annual users.
In May, Andress went to Washington DC with other local elected officials, “and that really sealed the deal on my decision to run,” Andress says. “I still felt like I had work to do, and I love the people I work with—I love our department heads and our staff.” With so many projects underway and on the horizon that she felt passionate about and wanted to see through, Andress decided to throw her hat into the ring for the 2025 mayor’s race. On election day, it was a decisive victory, and Andress will take office on November 3rd.
As Homewood changes to a new form of government, Andress will serve as mayor but also as a voting member of the council and Council President. When asked about her goals as mayor, Andress answers quickly, “I want to be visible and accessible to people and take my ward newsletter to the entire city. I want people to see me in the community.” Andress has gotten an early start, taking in the Homewood High School Homecoming Parade and making plans to attend the Rose Parade in January where the HHS band will perform.
And what does it mean to be the first female mayor? “It’s amazing to think about. I am very excited about the next four years!” OTMJ
The CPA firm of Till Hester Eyer & Brown is proud to announce and celebrate a remarkable milestone in the career of one of its partners.
Glenn F. Till, Jr. is marking his 50th year in the accounting profession, having started with the firm in 1975 as a staff accountant. Today, he serves as the managing partner and remains a respected leader both within the firm and the broader professional community.
Over the course of five decades, Till has become widely known for his deep expertise in general accounting, audit services, and tax work, with extensive experience in both business and individual tax preparation—including estates and trusts. His background spans a wide variety of industries, including real estate, construction, wholesale and retail sales and the service industry. His contributions to the accounting profession and dedication to client service have earned him the respect of colleagues, clients, and peers alike. “Glenn has been our family accountant for 40+ years,” says Homewood Publisher and Commercial Real Estate investor Michael Whitten.
“He fully understands tax law and we trust
Glenn with every aspect of our finances; personal, business, trust and estate.”
“For 50 years, Glenn has set the standard for integrity, professionalism, and excellence in accounting,” says Partner Marty Brown.
“His commitment to his clients and his team has shaped our firm and inspired generations of professionals.”
Despite half a century of service, Till shows no signs of slowing down. “I still enjoy coming to work every day,” he says. “It’s been an honor to work with so many great people over the years—both clients and colleagues. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, and I’m looking forward to what’s still ahead.”
Till Hester Eyer & Brown is a full-service CPA firm providing audit, tax, and advisory services to individuals, families, and businesses across a wide range of industries. With a commitment to excellence, client service, and professional integrity, the firm has built a reputation for trusted financial guidance for 62 years. Reach out: contact@thebcpa.com or 205.871.9855
BY CARA CLARK
When Mitch Bruhn and Forest Phillips dive, it’s not just for sport—it’s for legacy. Beneath the Gulf’s surface, they move like predators, strategists and old friends. Years of diving, danger and discovery have forged more than a team—they’ve built a brotherhood. Off Alabama’s coast, far from sunbathers and surfboards, they suit up with spearguns in hand, hunting fish, solitude—and sometimes survival. For them, spearfishing isn’t a hobby. Phillips and Bruhn are part of a tight-knit community that thrives under pressure. They dive for glory, groceries and the thrill of a world few ever see.
“Winning is never an accident,” Phillips says. “We come with a plan. Backup plans, too—in case the wind shifts or the engine fails. You have to prepare when you’re competing against locals who live on the coast. We take off work, spend nights down there—it’s a grind.”
Preparation is everything. A single day might include 140 miles of travel, multiple dives and the chase for elusive fish and leaderboard glory. But the real prize? Discovering new dive sites— the kind you never talk about but never forget. “We find spots all the time,” Phillips says. “But I only share them with Mitch and Team Southern Skin Divers.”
The difference between commercial and competition diving is mindset. “When I was selling fish commercially,” Phillips explains, “I wasn’t up at 3 a.m. and diving all day. In tournaments, it’s full throttle—every fish matters.”
And when those fish hit the grill? “It’s the very best expensive free fish,” Bruhn jokes. left: Cave diving in Palau, Micronesia. below right: Bruhn (third from left) and his dive buddies showing off their snapper
Trunk Show and Piercing Event
Friday, Oct 17 - Saturday, Oct 18
Join us for one of a kinds, gifts with purchase, and on-site piercings. Cocktails and bites all day in the newly renovated ETC.
“There’s nowhere like offshore Alabama for artificial reefs,” Phillips says. He and Bruhn have been diving together for over 15 years— often 30 to 60 miles offshore in deep, murky waters filled with amberjack, snapper and sharks. “Spearfishing here is tough,” Phillips says. “You’re risking your life. We’ve seen bull sharks, tigers great hammerheads—even great whites.”
Bruhn has logged over 2,250 dives. Phillips has more than 10,000 and leads over 50 dive trips a year through Southern Skin Divers Supply—the Birmingham dive shop he co-owns. It’s the country’s oldest continuously operating dive shop, open since 1953.
Their journey began when Bruhn’s son returned home and sought adventure. They got recertified at Southern Skin Divers, and soon, diving became their life.
On one dive near Orange Beach, Phillips and his team found themselves circling with a 14-foot great white. “I shot a snapper, and fellow diver Chase Tucker above me started
we go back-to-back and get out. We’ve fought sharks off each other many times.”
yelling what I thought was ‘good shot.’ Then I realized he was yelling, ‘Shark!’” “I looked up and saw it—classic silhouette, massive. I had red snapper strapped to my waist.”
Tucker caught the moment on video, and the footage went viral. Back on the boat, Bruhn joked, “I’m like that astronaut in the module while everyone remembers Neil Armstrong. I got them there, but nobody remembers me.”
They’ve had other close calls with sharks. “We always watch shark behavior,” Phillips says. “If they start darting or acting aggressive,
“We go down, look around and pick our fish. Way better than dropping a line and waiting.”
–mitch bruhn
Ask Bruhn his closest call? “It was a pitchblack dive at 155 feet due to storms on the surface, so dark I couldn’t see my dive buddy less than 10 feet away. All of the sudden, a shark’s head came within six inches of my face,” he recalls. “It was a 14-foot tiger shark, big enough that I could’ve swum into its mouth. It happened so fast that I couldn’t even lift my speargun in time. It slapped me with its fin, my mask shifted, and I bit my regulator hard. After it was over, I was so focused on the dive that it didn’t hit me that I had almost been eaten. I cannot confirm nor deny that a tattoo may have been involved afterwards!”
Still, they don’t harm sharks unless absolutely necessary. It’s about respect—and safety. “You’re only as good as your teammates,” Phillips says. “We always have each other’s backs.”
Even after thousands of dives, some fish stay with them—especially the ones they never catch. “There’s one Kubera snapper I visit,” Phillips says. “She’s too fast. I’ve never even pulled the trigger—and I’m glad. It’s the only fish I’m almost afraid to shoot.”
Bruhn, however, did land a 65-pound Kubera snapper during the 48th Alabama Open—beating the competition by 30 pounds. “We saved that fish for last at weigh-in,” he laughs. “Had it in a cooler by itself. Rolled it out like a showpiece.”
Phillips adds, “He got it when it mattered—in front of all the masters. That’s what it’s about. We’re like ninja Jedis. Not many of us, but we compete at the highest level.”
Even now, the night before a dive feels like Christmas Eve. “New stuff happens all the time,” Phillips says. “That’s what keeps us going.”
WHERE IT ALL BEGINS
All of it starts in Birmingham—at Southern Skin Divers Supply. “I wouldn’t do any of this without Forest and that shop,” Bruhn says. “It’s the safest, most qualified group in the Southeast.”
Phillips even created a course called Gulf Coast Spearfishing, now recognized nationally. “We’re doing dangerous stuff—as safely as possible,” he says. “We want people to dive as long as they want, not get scared off by a bad experience.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE HUNT
Phillips averages 300 to 400 dives a year. Bruhn does around 50, balancing diving with running a successful construction business. When they’re not competing, they’re grocery shopping—for snapper, lobster, cobia, grouper and more. “We go down, look around and pick our fish,” Bruhn says. “Way better than dropping a line and waiting.”
They’ve pulled 10-pound lobsters from reefs, hauled up groupers that needed two people to lift and spotted sunfish the size of car hoods. “We’re only here a short time,” Bruhn reflects.
Phillips finishes the thought: “You’ll never know what’s waiting down there.”
This is the story of two men bound by breath, precision and purpose. To them, spearfishing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. OTMJ
Local female physicians balance medicine and motherhood with aplomb.
BY BARRY WISE SMITH
DR. SARAH BAGWELL
Dr. Sarah Bagwell grew up in Dallas, Texas, the youngest of three kids. When she was 15 years old and in high school, Bagwell developed debilitating migraine headaches that threw her into a world of doctors and treatments that disrupted her otherwise normal high-school life. Due to her age, it was hard finding doctors who could treat her. “I was stuck in this weird limbo between adolescence and becoming a young adult,” Bagwell remembers. “Through this I developed such empathy for patients who were going through this transition.”
Inspired by her personal experience, Bagwell became interested in becoming a doctor who could treat patients from birth through adulthood, providing a continuum of care throughout a patient’s life. “My situation was what inspired me to go into medicine,” Bagwell says. “To be able to take care of
someone as a baby throughout their life, to see generations of families is amazing.”
Wanting to leave Texas, Bagwell went to Clemson University in South Carolina where she earned her undergraduate degree in finance and met her now-husband Caleb. “My family are all entrepreneurs, so while I knew I wanted to go to medical school, I was very business minded and decided to pursue my degree in finance,” Bagwell says. Bagwell returned to Texas to attend medical school at University of Texas Houston and got married the summer after she started med school.
For her four-year med/peds residency, Bagwell looked all over the country from California to the East Coast but fell in love with UAB. “I interviewed in Boston and other places,” she remembers, but on match day Bagwell learned her training would continue in Birmingham, Alabama. The Bagwells moved to Birmingham in 2014. Two years into her residency training, Bagwell gave birth to her first child.
Adjusting to first-time motherhood while managing a demanding career took getting used to, and Bagwell credits her husband for “a lot of support.” Discussing that time, Bagwell remembers it as, “hard and certainly stressful, but it was totally worth it. It made me understand the sacrifices that people make for job, career and family and wanting to have a balance. It also made me prioritize the time I had with my child, making sure it was high-quality time.”
After completing her residency, Bagwell went to work at UAB and added three more children to the family. After the birth of the family’s fourth child in 2022 (Bagwell’s four kids are ages nine, seven, five and three), she decided to take a break to bond with her son, who they had adopted. “It was the first time I allowed myself to step back and really reflect on the next trajectory from both a career and family standpoint,” Bagwell says. “It allowed me time to really focus on my goals and priorities and find something that would align with what I wanted to be both as a mom and a physician.”
Bagwell continues, “My goal as a physician is to be able to take care of my patients well, and part of that is for my patients to be in good contact with me and for me to be responsive and be able to coordinate care.” So, in 2024, Bagwell joined the staff at Signature Health, a concierge medical practice in Homewood where she sees patients from birth through adulthood.
“I tend to overwork myself if I’m honest,” Bagwell says. “So here, I can put boundaries in my schedule in order to be the mom and the physician I want to be. I have the flexibility here to prioritize my kids’ events and be present for my family.”
The Bagwells prioritize family dinners “even if that means eating at five to get to an activity at 5:30,” Bagwell says. “We like to sit down and go through the highs and lows of our days and be connected with each other.”
As a mom of four and a practicing physician, Bagwell has learned to delegate and give herself grace. “I’ve had to realize, I’m not always going to be the one to clean the house or do all the errands,” Bagwell says. “I have to delegate, because my priority is being here for my patients and also being there for my kids. So, I have to let go and find others who can do those things for me.”
Bagwell also relies on her husband to take up slack as well, “Caleb and me are a team, and he’s a wonderful partner. I wouldn’t be able to have four kids and a career if it wasn’t for him. He’s my biggest cheerleader.”
Dr. Elizabeth Peters knew from a young age, she wanted to be a pediatrician. “At the age of three, I told my parents I wanted to be a baby doctor,” Peters remembers. “Growing up that was always my goal.”
Growing up in an Air Force family, Peters moved around A LOT. Living in Massachusetts, North Dakota, and other states, Peters moved with her family to Montgomery, Alabama, and stayed through junior high and beginning of high school before moving to Huntsville and graduating high school there. “That was our first trek South, and I fell in love with the area,” Peters says. “Birmingham-Southern was a such an amazing opportunity. They had an amazing track record for getting students into med school, and I knew I wanted to go to med school. The campus prepared me so well for both life and med school.”
Having fallen in love with Birmingham through her BSC experience, Peters stayed
“I love being a pediatrician because of the role I get to play—I am so honored that these families want me to continue to be part of their lives and their children’s lives.”
–dr.
elizabeth peters
for med school at UAB and then matched for her pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital. She started her career at a clinic in Roebuck/ Trussville, but when an opportunity became available at Mayfair Medical Group in Homewood, Peters couldn’t turn down the chance to work in the city where she had lived since first coming to medical school. “My first apartment was in Homewood,” Peters says. After meeting her husband Matthew, who grew up in the Cahaba Heights area, they decided to buy their first home together in Homewood. Peters went to work at Mayfair Medical Group in 2007 and remains there today 18 years later.
Peters, who is the mom of three boys, had her first child one year into her first job and added two more sons in the next six years (Peters’ sons are now in graduate school, college, and a high school junior). “I said from the beginning that faith and family would come first,” Peters says. “But I love my job, and it’s a huge part of who I am. There were times when I had to miss things, but I’m thankful I have a supportive family and for our Homewood community who stepped up to help when I couldn’t be there.”
Peters often mentors her younger partners, sharing knowledge that she has gained throughout her professional career. “That is another one of the rewarding parts of my job—being able to share what I’ve learned with younger women,” Peters says. “When my children were young, I was thankful for our full-time daycare and for after-school care once they were in school, because they were so well cared for, they didn’t realize fully that I wasn’t there all the time. It was when they were older that I wanted extra days so that I could watch them in their activities. So, I balanced it differently than others might.” Peters shares her well-earned knowledge about meal prep and babysitters but also advises on deeper issues of work-life balance as well. Now 23 years after beginning her practice, Peters still loves what she does. “I love being a pediatrician because of the role I get to play in these family’s lives,” she says. “I take care of kids from them as babies through their college lives, and the impact that I make on not only my patients but their families. I am so honored that these families want me to continue to be part of their lives and their children’s lives.” OTMJ
left: Every patient’s plan of care begins with a full analysis of the skin’s natural qualities—bone, muscle, fat and fascia. below: Concierge age management is a relationship-focused partnership that addresses aesthetic concerns and attempts to enhance one’s quality of life.
Aesthetic Atelier brings the art of beauty to Birmingham.
BY BARRY WISE SMITH
Dr. Elizabeth Adams had different plans when she began medical school.
A native of Columbus, Mississippi, she earned her medical degree at the University of Mississippi, completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Kentucky and a residency in emergency medicine at the University of Mississippi.
After developing a deep interest in the process of aging “elegantly,” Adams found her way to aesthetics. “I’ve always been artsy and creative,” she says. “I went the science route—Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, then medicine—but aesthetics let me look at health through the lens of beauty, which satisfies that creative part of me.” She opened her first clinic in her hometown a decade ago.
Following a move to Birmingham for her husband’s job, Adams kept her Columbus clinic open while building a practice in her new city. Earlier this year, she launched Aesthetic Atelier, a concierge practice offering advanced aesthetic services, in-home education and treatments and long-term skincare and skinlongevity programs.
Adams’s integrative approach stems from her belief that radiance comes from within. While skincare matters and cosmetic procedures help, she sees
physical beauty as both an indicator and a result of systemic health. “I feel strongly that aging isn’t something to resist but something to embrace,” she says. “There’s so much more to beauty than what you see on the outside. I take a functional approach—looking at gut health, hormones, lifestyle, and nutrition—all of it.” To further her education, Adams is completing A4M’s Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Metabolic & Functional Medicine (FAAMM).
With Aesthetic Atelier, Adams focuses on the pillars of holistic health, blending innovative aesthetic treatments with the science of aging and beauty. “We want to elevate aesthetic medicine into a lifestyle experience—almost a cultural space,” she says. “And we want to build a community through Aesthetic Atelier of strong, creative women.”
Aesthetic Atelier offers advanced injectables, precision skin analysis, skin-longevity and age-management programs, hormone and peptide therapy, and lifestyle & nutrition counseling. “I am passionately committed to helping people become their best and most confident selves,” Adams says. “Every treatment is an opportunity to provide personalized care that transforms not just your appearance, but your wellness mindset, productivity, and outlook on life.” OTMJ
New, Collectible Antique Dolls
2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544
Dolls, Doll Houses and Miniatures CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM Mary Charles' Doll House
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To: Mary Charles Robbins
From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax
Date: May 2010 This
For more information on Aesthetic Atelier, visit the-aesthetic-atelier.com.
3-6
Talks by internationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects and landscape architects—plus antiques—are among the highlights of the 19th annual Antiques at the Gardens presented by the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The show also welcomes celebrated antiques dealers from across the nation offering antiques, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, silver, rugs and textiles, home decor and garden accessories. Learn more at bbgardens.org/antiques-at-the-gardens.
WHEN: Check the event
website for daily specifics
WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Oct. 2-4
BIRMINGHAM GREEK FESTIVAL
All your favorite Greek foods—gyro sandwiches, souvlakia, pastitsio and plenty of desserts like baklava—are ready to devour at the 52nd annual Birmingham Greek Festival. The Greek community also shares its cultural traditions
and music, and festival goers can learn about Greek Orthodox religious traditions touring the Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Learn more at greekfestbirmingham.com.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily. WHERE: Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Oct. 3-4
ALABAMA BUTTERBEAN FESTIVAL
What’s more Southern than a plate of delicious butterbeans? A two-day celebration of the legume that goes great with a hunk of cornbread and an iced tea! Bring the family for live entertainment, carnival rides, a pet parade, arts and crafts, 5K run and great food, including the star of the party. Don’t miss a display of the World Record Holding Butterbean Pot, which was set in 2010 with over 1,010 gallons of beans. Find out more at alabamabutterbeanfestival.com.
WHEN: Oct. 3 from 6-10 p.m. and Oct. 4 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: The intersection of Main Street and Pinson Boulevard in Pinson.
Oct. 3-19
GHOSTS
This new adaptation of Norwegian Henrik Ibsen’s classic play has been called a scathing commentary on 19th-century morality dealing with the unhappy consequences of breaking the moral code.
WHEN: Various showtimes WHERE: Birmingham Festival Theatre
Sat., Oct. 4
LATIN AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Celebrate and explore the culture and traditions of Latin America at the Latin American Heritage Festival at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Among the activities at this free event are art-making activities, face painting, music and a lively performance by audience favorite Orquesta MaCuba. The festival also coincides with the reopening of the museum’s Ancient American Art Gallery.
WHEN: 1-5 p.m.
WHERE: Birmingham Museum of Art
Sun., Oct. 5
ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GOES WILD
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Birmingham Zoo are teaming up for a one-of-a-kind family event that features live music and activities, including engaging with animals and instruments.
WHEN: 5-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Birmingham Zoo
Sun., Oct 5
CAHABA RIVER FRYDOWN
Support the Cahaba River Society and enjoy a fish fry competition at the 16th annual Cahaba River Frydown. More than just a cook-off, the Frydown is a full-scale festival of community, conservation and culinary creativity with live music, kids’ activities, environmental education stations and more.
WHEN: Noon-4 p.m.
WHERE: Cahaba Brewing Company
Thurs., Oct. 9
TASTE OF HOOVER
Sample dishes from more than 30 Hoover restaurants, beverage providers and Aldridge Gardens’ preferred caterers at the annual Taste of Hoover event, which celebrates the variety of culinary styles in the city.
WHEN: 5-8 p.m.
WHERE: Aldridge Gardens
Oct. 9-19
THE BUTLER DID IT
This murder mystery comedy will have you guessing as you try to figure out “whodunit.”
No one is really as they appear…but you’ll be on the edge of your seat and laughing at the same time!
WHEN: Various showtimes
WHERE: Homewood Theatre
Oct. 9-26
THE SPITFIRE GRILL
A troubled young parolee decides to start her life off fresh in a rural, Wisconsin town and finds a job in the local diner. Her presence, and the unveiling of an idea, spark both suspicion and hope in this musical.
WHEN: Various showtimes
WHERE: Terrific New Theatre
Fri., Oct. 10
MOVIES ON THE MOUNTAIN: HOCUS POCUS
Experience the magic of cinema under the stars at Movies on the Mountain, an outdoor movie series at Vulcan Park & Museum! Bring blankets and lawn chairs and indulge in classic movie treats like popcorn and cotton candy while savoring delicious bites from local vendors.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Vulcan Park
Oct. 10 & 12
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX IN CONCERT
Experience the magic of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix like never before as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs the score live while the full film plays on a giant screen.
WHEN: Various showtimes
WHERE: BJCC Concert Hall
Thurs., Oct. 16
SWEET HOME BREWS
Help support the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama at this craft beer tasting contest. Vote for your favorite brew among the breweries competing, enjoy live music, food from Taco Mama and raffle prizes.
WHEN: 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: Avenue D Events
Sat., Oct. 18
ST. SYMEON FOOD AND CULTURE FAIR
Baked goods, hot lunch foods, church tours, a choir concert and a lecture on church art and architecture will be among the features of this year’s St. Symeon Food and Culture Fair. Get the details at facebook.com/stsymeonfair. WHEN: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: St. Symeon Orthodox Church
Sat., Oct. 18
BARKTOBERFEST
Enjoy a pet costume contest, a stein hoist competition and an Oktoberfest-themed photo booth while raising funds for Hand in Paw, a nonprofit organization that brings animal therapy to medical centers, schools and human service organizations. WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Cahaba Brewing Company
Oct. 24-25
DUELING NINTHS
Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9 in E-flat Major and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the “Choral” are featured in these performances by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Alys Stephens Center OTMJ
BY LOYD MCINTOSH
Georgia Jayne Stuckey is the heartbeat of the Mountain Brook cross country and track teams.
Joining the programs as a freshman, Stuckey has been a key part of four state championships as a long-distance specialist. Now a senior, she serves in a leadership role, mentoring younger athletes and modeling the work ethic and competitive spirit the program is known for. Stuckey originally began running as a way to stay in shape for soccer, but she quickly realized she enjoyed cross country and track more. By eighth grade, she gave up soccer to focus on running full time.
Mountain Brook head coach Michael McGovern says Stuckey’s talent, drive and competitiveness were evident early in her
contributor, helping drive the Spartans’ success. But for much of her career, she existed in the shadows of upperclassmen, many of whom went on to compete at top college programs like Auburn, Baylor and North Carolina.
During her first three years, McGovern says Stuckey accepted her role, learned from older teammates and gradually developed into a leader. Today, he says, she is the keystone of the team—competitive, steady and willing to serve others.
“In many ways, she’s had to wait her turn to be one of those people that we count on,” says McGovern. “As she’s gotten older and
progressed through the program, she’s absolutely turned into someone we depend on.
“That competitiveness hasn’t gone away,” McGovern adds. “She’s grown into a leadership role because she was mentored by all these other runners through the years, and now she’s taking on that role.”
Stuckey says she takes her leadership role seriously, reflecting on how she once looked up to older teammates. She wants to be an approachable mentor for the younger runners, even if some were initially intimidated by her intensity.
“I’ve been very lucky to watch other seniors ahead of me to see how they led and how certain ones led compared to others. I feel like I’ve been kind of waiting for this,” Stuckey says. “Knowing how some of the girls when I was a sophomore or freshman led as seniors and how they treated me, I just try to model that for the younger ones.”
Stuckey continues with a laugh, “The freshmen and sophomores told me the first time they met me they were kind of scared of me. But I am really a nice person. Most of the time after people meet me, they say, ‘oh, I thought you were going to be really mean, but you’re really nice.’”
freshman year. He decided to include her on an out-of-town cross country meet—unusual for a freshman—and quickly realized she was ready to compete at a high level.
“She made an impact right away,” says McGovern. “She was super-quiet as a ninth grader, but she has a fighting spirit, and she loves to compete, which she showed from an early age.”
He continues, “She’s got the heart of a lion. You’ll see her attitude and her face change in a race where she’s ready to go after somebody. To me, that is her biggest strength.”
“I love competing, and I don’t like to lose,” Stuckey says, “but we all push each other to be the best versions of ourselves we can be and it just ends up working out for the best.”
McGovern says Stuckey has been a consistent
“I love competing, and I don’t like to lose, but we all push each other to be the best versions of ourselves we can be.”
–georgia jayne stuckey
Stuckey is currently being recruited by several universities, including the College of Charleston, Central Arkansas, Jacksonville University and the University of New Orleans. However, competing in college isn’t her priority. She plans to attend the University of Alabama to study nursing, believing that running at the next level could distract from her long-term goals.
More important than either her studies or athletics, Stuckey says, is her Christian faith. It’s something she shares with her teammates, who gather for prayer before each race. She says their faith has built bonds even stronger than personal records or championships. “I speak for myself, but I feel like I also speak for the team; the Lord is very important to us,” Stuckey says.
“The statement that we’ve been saying a lot this year, that’s just hitting close to home recently, is ‘the joy of the Lord is our strength and then we have nothing to fear with him by our side,’” she adds. “That’s one of the driving factors for the team and myself.” OTMJ
BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTO BY JORDAN WALD
Midway through the 2025 high school football season, Homewood is on a roll. At the time of this writing, the Patriots are 4-0, tied for first place with defending state champions Parker in 6A Region 5, and have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 179-22.
That is not a misprint: 179-22.
The 2025 Patriots are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball; however, the catalyst for this group of guys is quarterback Kaleb Carson. A senior who is, perhaps, more well-known for his work on the basketball court, is raising eyebrows for his performance on the football field this season.
Carson’s statistics through the first four games are eye-popping. So far, Carson has completed 54 of 82 passing attempts for a completion percentage of 65.9 percent, amassed 809 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, an average of 9.9 yards per completion, and only one interception.
He’s pretty good on the ground as well, although Homewood Head Coach Ben Berguson says the coaching staff hasn’t let him run as much as they would like to just yet. After the first four games of the season, Carson has 15 carries for 115 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per carry, and one touchdown.
Berguson says Carson “sees the field really well,” whether he’s passing or running, and his athleticism makes him a handful for opposing defenses. However, Berguson also says that what really sets Carson apart is between the ears. “As far as his personality goes, he is really cool and calm. He’s in complete control,” Berguson says. “You can’t rattle him at all. He has a high level of confidence that’s really infectious to the team, and we go as he goes.”
Berguson adds, “He’s not a real vocal guy, but they just respond to him. They’re all really close, which helps when they get on the field.”
Frankly, Carson’s numbers could be much better since he has barely played a snap in the second half in 2025, a testament not only to the Patriots’ offensive firepower but also to a defense that has shut opposing offenses down.
However, with key region games against Parker and Gardendale, as well as an out-ofregion matchup with Mountain Brook,
looming on the schedule, Berguson says that he and offensive coordinator Heath Brunner are about to loosen the reins. “We really haven’t turned him loose running the ball yet, because we don’t want to risk any injury, but that’s coming soon,” Berguson says. “We’re going to turn him loose when it matters.
We’re about to play some four-quarter games in the next few weeks, so his numbers should really go up.”
With a mile-wide smile and easy-going, fun-loving attitude, it’s clear to see why the Patriots are experiencing success with Carson under center. While he is confident in his own abilities, he’s quick to praise his teammates with whom he is close friends on and off the field, many of whom have played together since their pee-wee football days.
“I’m just taking it game by game and getting the ball out to my receivers because they’re
BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTO BY JORDAN WALD
Call it the Mountain Brook Miracle.
If you weren’t there to see it in person, chances are you wouldn’t believe it. Trailing by a touchdown to Homewood with a minute to play in the game, the stars aligned perfectly as the Spartans pulled off one of the most improbable and thrilling come-from-behind victories since Cal defeated Stanford and its band way back in 1982. Read the full story at otmj.com
“I’m just taking it game by game and getting the ball out to my receivers because they’re athletes, and they’re doing the rest. They trust me, and I trust them.”
–kaleb carson
athletes, and they’re doing the rest,” says Carson. “Most of the team has been playing together since elementary school, so they know what I can do, and I know what they can do. They trust me, and I trust them.”
Starting 2024 as a wide receiver and backup quarterback, Carson got his first real action under center in relief of injured starting quarterback Will Myers during the Patriots’ 23-7 win over Gardendale in early October. He had 60 yards passing and 47 yards rushing that night and earned significant minutes at quarterback throughout the second half of the season.
Carson says the 2024 experience prepared him for this moment. With the full support of the coaching staff and teammates, Carson has the Patriots offense humming on all cylinders. He also says the team has a score to settle after a three-point loss to Fort Payne in the second round of the AHSAA playoffs last year.
“I think playing last year helped a lot with where I am today. My confidence is through the roof right now,” Carson says. “Knowing that I have teammates around me and coaches around me that believe in me, that helps.
Carson continues, “Everything’s working. We’ve been practicing hard since the summer because we came up short last year, and we don’t want to come up short again. So we’ve been taking this step by step, and everything’s been clicking.” OTMJ