By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–After more than two months of sorting through applications and conducting interviews, officials at Helena High School have found its new candidate to lead the varsity football program.

Former Fultondale High School head football coach Richie Busby was officially approved as the new head coach for Helena High School at the Shelby County Schools Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Jan. 25.

Busby replaces Watt Parker, who finished with an overall record of 18-25 and 13-13 in region play in four years with the Huskies.

Busby has had much success during his time at Fultondale and will take over a Helena program that is entering just its fifth season overall.

In five seasons as head coach at Fultondale, Busby compiled an overall record of 40-17, won three region championships and made the playoffs every season while at the helm. Busby also went 25-6 in region play during this time, including a 12-0 record the last two years.

In addition to being the head coach of the Wildcats, Busby has served as a teacher and a coach at Fultondale since 2000.

Busby and the Wildcats enjoyed its best season in 2017, compiling a record of 11-1 before losing to Randolph County 35-28 in the second round of the playoffs.

Busby has also been instrumental in developing players during his time at Fultondale. Since 2013, nine players have been named to the ASWA All-State team.

Helena High School Principal April Brand cited many reasons for hiring Busby to lead the football program.

“We are thrilled to have Coach Busby join the Husky family,” Brand wrote in a statement. “He is a tremendous coach who brings the football experience, as well as the knowledge of building a successful program, that we were looking for. After a thorough selection process, it became clear that Coach Busby was the right choice for Helena High School. We are excited to have him and excited about the future of Helena football.”

The Huskies suffered a tough season in 2017, finishing 1-9 overall as Busby will try to reverse those fortunes in Class 6A, Region 3 play in 2018.