This is a series of articles we call "People You Should Know". Each week throughout the season we will hopefully spotlight a few of the many individuals around the great state of Alabama who work tirelessly behind the scenes to made high school sports great in our state.

Mike Welsh is the President of the Central Board of Control for the Alabama High School Athletic Association.  He joins us today for a recent interview with Kurt Duryea representing AHSFHS.org.

New AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon talks with central board president Mike Welsh during a press conference in Montgomery, Ala., Thursday, June 6, 2024.

(Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

1.       What sports did you play in high school & what was your favorite sport?

At the varsity level, I competed in basketball, baseball, and tennis. I love all sports, but basketball has always been my favorite.

2.       Tell us about your favorite varsity coaches and what impact did they have on your life

My favorite varsity coach was, and still is, my dad. I am so happy to have had the experience of playing for him. Not because of any special treatment (because I didn't receive any), but because he was a great coach and a great man who I respect on so many levels.

Coach Welsh/Dad taught me so many things about the game of basketball, but he taught me so much more about how to treat people, the importance of staying grounded in times of success, continuing to work hard whether times are good or not so good, and to not rest on any laurels and stay focused on what's ahead. He is the hardest working man I have ever known.

3.       You made the transition to college athletics at Berry. Speak about your experience there.

Berry College is a wonderful place and I greatly enjoyed my time there as a student and athlete. It was an honor for me to be able to play basketball at the college level and I am so glad it was at Berry. Todd Smyly was a really good basketball coach and we were able to compete at a high level against some really tough competition. Playing a college sport is like having a job. It requires a lot of work and dedication, but I was so happy to do it and would do it all over again.

4.       Following college, you began your teaching and coaching career. At that time, what direction did you see yourself moving from a goal standpoint?

After college I began teaching high school math and coaching. My goal was to be a 25-30 year teacher and coach. I really enjoyed both. I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps, but I was encouraged to get my administration certification in case I wanted to use it down the road. That opportunity came sooner than expected and my plans/goals changed.

5.        You made the move into administration and became the driving force in the development of the entire athletic program at Spring Garden. Talk about that and the community support you had.

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to get into school administration at Spring Garden. Spring Garden is home and it was very easy to rekindle my maroon and gold pride after being away for a few years. The community support at Spring Garden is tremendous. That is true for academics, athletics, everything.

We have been blessed over the years to have so many great people leading our classrooms and athletic programs. Couple that with the great community and you have a recipe for success. Our coaches worked very well together not only to share athletes, but to encourage and develop athletes to participate and contribute to the success of multiple sports. The community has always bought into that as well.

6.       Tell us about becoming a member of the Central Board and then rising to become President.

Growing up as a coach's kid and attending championship tournaments and events as a student, I was always a little closer, I guess, to the goings on of the AHSAA. I knew about the central board at an early age. Early in my career I developed a desire to be involved with the AHSAA. I expressed that to the executive director at the time, Dan Washburn, who put in a good word for me with Moe Smith who was the central board member from our district at that time.

Mr. Smith called me when one of our district board members left the district and asked if I would be interested in filling that spot. Of course I said yes and I have been fortunate enough to be elected by our district to continue to serve. Mr. Smith retired in 2009 and I was appointed to the central board by our district board. It is an honor to serve and a special honor to be elected to serve as president two different times. I believe Moe Smith and I are the only board members to have done that.

7.       You've handed out plenty of Blue Maps. Describe the feeling you get being at the major championship events and handing out the Blue Maps

Handing out championship trophies is quite a joy. It is really nice to be able to be there to congratulate a coach/team on such a remarkable feat. I have had the privilege of handing trophies to several friends who have won championships. It has always been extra special to present championship trophies to Coach Austin and our Spring Garden teams.

8.        Speak about your family and the support you've had from them through the years.

My family has been such a blessing to me. My wife and children have been so supportive and understanding over the years. My parents have always been encouraging and supportive. The support and encouragement from my family and extended family and friends has allowed me to be dedicated to my jobs as teacher, coach, administrator, and central board member.

9.       What challenges does the AHSAA face going forward?

The AHSAA will continue to deal with the increasing amount of transfers and potential recruiting violations among member schools. NIL is a current topic that will soon have to be addressed in a manner that will protect the integrity of high school athletics and not adversely affect current rules such as the Amateur Rule. Hopefully, the goal will be to allow an athlete to benefit in the same way as any other student and not be in violation of other rules.

10.       As you look back on your career what's the one thing (or a couple) that you are most proud of?

I've had so many wonderful experiences as a student, player, teacher, coach, and administrator. It would be difficult to narrow it down to just a few. I have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, each of my jobs. It is a highlight for me to have served the longest tenure of any principal at Spring Garden School (22.5 years).

Thank you Mike Welsh for sharing with us today. We appreciate everything the Central Board and the AHSAA does to make Alabama what it is for high school sports.  We know tough times lay ahead with important decisions to be made in the near future.  Best of luck moving forward.