Huntsville, AL, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville High School has a proud tradition of producing exceptional athletes who have made significant contributions in various sports. This includes the legacies of five remarkable individuals: Bobby Luna in football, Margaret Hoelzer in swimming, Nicholas Morrow in the NFL, Brewer Hicklen in baseball, and Frederick in soccer. Each of these athletes has left an indelible mark on their respective sports, inspiring future generations and solidifying the school’s reputation for fostering talent.
Huntsville
Huntsville High School boasts a distinguished legacy of producing remarkable athletes who have made significant impacts both locally and on national stages. This legacy is embodied by five standout individuals whose achievements in their respective sports continue to resonate today.
Bobby Luna: A Legacy in Football
Bobby Luna, a celebrated graduate of Huntsville High School, made his mark as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL), playing for the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Luna’s collegiate career at the University of Alabama was distinguished, where he also later contributed as an assistant coach under the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. His coaching efforts were instrumental in securing multiple championships for the Crimson Tide. Luna passed away in 2008 at the age of 74, but his legacy remains an integral part of Alabama football history.
Margaret Hoelzer: Olympic Swim Champion
Margaret Hoelzer, known for her exceptional prowess in swimming, earned her place as a three-time Olympic medalist. Representing Team USA, she showcased her talent at the 2008 Beijing Games, bringing home two silver medals and one bronze. Hoelzer also captured the World Championship title in the 200-meter backstroke in 2007 and set a world record during the 2007 U.S. Olympic Trials. Her achievements have inspired countless swimmers across the nation.
Nicholas Morrow: Rising Star in the NFL
Nicholas Morrow’s journey in professional football began when he joined the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles in January 2025 after being waived by the Buffalo Bills. Morrow’s performance during the postseason was notable; he was elevated for the Divisional Round, NFC Championship, and Super Bowl LIX, playing a crucial role on special teams and contributing significantly to the Eagles’ championship victory.
Brewer Hicklen: Baseball Breakthrough
Brewer Hicklen, a versatile athlete during his tenure at Huntsville High, ultimately chose to focus on baseball. He was drafted in the seventh round by the Kansas City Royals in 2017 and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2025. Throughout his career, Hicklen played for teams including the Royals, Milwaukee, and Detroit. He is also known for founding the “Homers for Hope” fundraiser, aimed at supporting youth sports programs.
Frederick: Soccer Sensation
Frederick was a pivotal player for Huntsville High’s soccer team, leading them to a 5A state championship in 2005. She was named Alabama’s Gatorade High School Player of the Year and received the Birmingham News Player of the Year accolade after scoring a record 48 goals in a single season. Following her successful high school career, Frederick played professionally for the Seattle Sounders Women and Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Conclusion
The achievements of these five athletes exemplify the spirit of Huntsville High School and underscore the school’s significance in fostering talent that can excel on both local and national levels. Each athlete’s legacy contributes to the rich history of sports at Huntsville High, inspiring future generations of athletes.
FAQ
What sports did Bobby Luna play professionally?
Bobby Luna played professional football as a defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL.
How many Olympic medals did Margaret Hoelzer win?
Margaret Hoelzer won three Olympic medals: two silver and one bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Which team is Nicholas Morrow currently associated with?
Nicholas Morrow is currently a player for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.
When did Brewer Hicklen make his MLB debut?
Brewer Hicklen made his MLB debut in 2025.
What were Frederick’s main accomplishments in soccer?
Frederick helped Huntsville High’s soccer team win a 5A state championship in 2005 and scored a record 48 goals in a single season.
Key Features of Huntsville High School Athletes
| Athlete | Sport | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Bobby Luna | Football | Played in NFL, coached at Alabama under Bear Bryant |
| Margaret Hoelzer | Swimming | Three-time Olympic medalist, world record holder |
| Nicholas Morrow | Football | Super Bowl LIX champion, special teams contributor |
| Brewer Hicklen | Baseball | MLB debut in 2025, founded “Homers for Hope” fundraiser |
| Frederick | Soccer | 5A state champion, record 48 goals in a season |
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Panther Pride – 5 Unforgettable Athletes at Huntsville High School
- Wikipedia: Huntsville High School
- KBTX: Huntsville ISD Names Todd Moebes New AD and Head Football Coach
- Google Search: Huntsville High School athletics
- AL.com: Runner Leaves Record-Setting Legacy
- Google Scholar: Huntsville High School athletes
- WAAYTV: North Alabama Student Athletes Signing Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville, Alabama
- AAMU Sports: Three Inducted into Huntsville Athletic Hall of Fame
- Google News: Huntsville High School athletes
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
