By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

Brent Smith didn’t hesitate in firing off an application and resume when he learned about an opening at Shelby County High School, which included an opportunity to lead the Wildcats’ football program.

Smith has followed the success Shelby County had the past few years under Ryan Herring as an admirer.

Smith, who spent the past three years at Corner High School, was approved by the Shelby County Board of Education during a meeting April 19 and he can’t wait to get started on his coaching tenure in Columbiana.

“I’m excited about it,” Smith said. “It’s a great community. Coach Herring did a great job. The program was very disciplined, very organized.”

Smith said he plans to work with the Wildcats during spring practice, which will culminate with an intrasquad scrimmage.

“We’re trying to iron things out,” Smith said. “It’s going to take a while to get a whole new offense and defense in.”

Smith led Corner to a 6-5 record and an appearance in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 4A playoffs last season. He also spent two years as the athletic director and head football coach at Clay-Chalkville High School in between stints as the head coach at Corner.