05/05/2026
In September 1971, the Vestavia Hills City Council passed Resolution 332 to honor the memory of coaches Tommy Ward, Cooper Ray, and Phillip Puccio. Recipients of these awards demonstrate the most outstanding athletic ability, leadership, and attributes of character which symbolize the high ideals instilled in our students by the coaches for which the awards were named.
In front of the entire student body on Monday, Athletic Director Laura Casey and longtime AD Buddy Anderson announced the 55th recipients of the Cooper Ray Award for Outstanding Freshman Athletes! Nominated and voted on by coaches, the recipients of this award join an elite club of student-athletes whose character and grit inspire all of us.
This year’s recipients are Matthew Campbell, an integral member of the baseball, football, and wrestling teams; and Olivia Adkins, an essential member of the varsity basketball and softball teams!
Congratulations, Matthew and Olivia!!! 🎉🎉🎉