Tony Kirkland confirms his retirement after defeating Gordo High School and winning the

Class 3A Baseball State Championship on May18, 2023. For the last 19 years, Houston Academy has been fortunate to have Tony Kirkland involved in its athletic program. Tony (Better known as TK) coached 7 seasons of Junior Varsity Baseball before becoming the head varsity baseball coach, a position he has held for last the 12 years here at Houston Academy. TK also coached JV football for 13 years as well as 6 years of varsity girls’ basketball for the Raiders. TK will officially retire at the end of this year leaving behind a legacy of success. Prior to this 2023 Class 3A State Championship, TK led the Raiders to an AHSAA Baseball State Championship in 2014. The Championships were a high point of his career but he indicated having a chance to work with some great players over the years was more than rewarding. Seventeen of his former players were fortunate enough to go on and play at the college level. The Raider Nation thanks you for your many years of dedicated service to our school and to our student-athletes. I consider it a great honor getting to see you go out on top! Thanks for the memories!

Jerry Browning CMAA
Athletic Director