DECATUR, Ala. — Nikita Stover, a former Hartselle High School graduate and University of Alabama football player, has been named the new Decatur Heritage Christian Academy head football coach. Stover, is replacing Steve Meek, who is retiring from Decatur Heritage after 11 seasons. Meek, 61, led the Heritage Eagles to eight trips to the playoffs with four region championships and an overall record of 86-42.
“We want to build on the foundation that Coach Meek built,” said Decatur Heritage Christian Academy Athletic Director, Ty Patterson. “We are excited about the future of football at Decatur Heritage.”
Stover, 36, who coached the Decatur Heritage middle school football team this fall, is familiar with the DHCA program. “If you have a good coach already in your house, why go somewhere else?” said Patterson. “We just feel like Nikita is a good fit for Decatur Heritage.”
Stover, graduated from the University of Alabama in 2007 with a degree in Human Environmental Sciences. He played football for 1 year under Mike Shula and the last 2 under Nick Saban.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to grow the Decatur Heritage football program,” said Stover. “From the first time I walked into Decatur Heritage, it just felt like a good fit.”
Stover, who owns Core 9 Training, became associated with Decatur Heritage last year when his friend Johnny Jones became the DHCA girl’s basketball coach. Stover took over weight training for all DHCA athletics and led the middle school football team to a 6-1 record.