Tom Peavy
Staff writer
Published: March 26, 2008

The Spence McCracken era at Opelika will end following the 2008 football season. Watch the video.

The winningest active coach in Class 6A has decided the 2008 season, his 35th in the coaching profession, will be his last. He is expected to retire as head coach and athletic director and stay on for two more years to finish his teaching career.

McCracken, who currently holds a 272-76-1 overall record, came to Opelika in 1995 and has compiled a 122-32 record. His teams reached the Class 6A semifinals in 2005 and 2006, and finished the 2007 season with a 9-3 record.

Prior to his successful stint at Opelika, McCracken made a name for himself at Montgomery’s R.E. Lee, his alma mater. He left as head coach at Montgomery Academy and began at Lee in 1984.
In 11 years he compiled a 118-25 record with the Generals. That included state titles in 1986, 1991 and 1992.

His 1986 team was ranked No. 2 in the nation and he was named National Coach of the Year by USA Today.

In 2004 McCracken was named to the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame.

More on this breaking story is to come.

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