Rudy Hubbard returns to sidelines tonight

Jamboree first test for new Rickards coach

Rudy Hubbard left football 23 years ago when he coached his last game at Florida A&M. Tonight he returns as the first-year coach for the Tallahassee's (FL) Rickards High Raiders, who take part in a three-team jamboree at Cox Stadium.

Hubbard built on Jake Gaither's legacy by guiding FAMU to the Black College National Championship in 1977 and the inaugural NCAA Division I-AA title in 1978. He took over the Rickards program on March 20.

The Raiders will open tonight's jamboree by playing West Gadsden at 6 p.m. West Gadsden then plays Leon at 7 p.m. and Rickards and Leon play at 8 p.m. in the third.

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More On: Rickards hires former FAMU football coach Rudy Hubbard

If you had questions why Rudy Hubbard would come out of football coaching retirement after 23 years, and take on a South-side high school coaching job, here is insight into his rationale. His decision will be of great benefit to the Tallahassee South-side community, especially on a level that leadership and guidance is needed with our young male students.

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The television was on, and Rudy Hubbard looked up.

On the screen Hubbard saw Rickards High School Principal Dr. Pink Hightower talking about his search for a new football coach. Rickards had been on his mind for a while. At that time in mid-February, Hightower and Rickards athletic director Ken Fearson were announcing the firing of Everett Blakely, who ended his two years with a 4-16 record.

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Tallahassee Rickards H.S. hires Rudy Hubbard as football coach

Photo: #12, Former FAMU head football coach Rudy Hubbard with members of the Rattlers 1978 1-AA National Championship Team, at the 2007 FAMU Homecoming game at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Leon County Superintendent of Schools Jackie Pons told the Tallahassee Democrat that former Florida A&M University football coach Rudy Hubbard has been hired as the head football coach for Rickards High School.

Hubbard coached the Rattlers from 1974-1985 and ranks second in FAMU history with 83 victories (83-48 career record). His FAMU teams won the Black College National Championship in 1977 and the inaugural NCAA Division 1-AA National Championship in 1978. He was fired in 1985 after two losing season, when his teams finished 7-14-1.

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Excellent move by the Leon County School System. That's what we need--more strong male role models in the high schools, and Coach Hubbard brings exceptional maturity and accomplishments that can inspire students in a positive way.

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