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Red Level High School has hired Opp native Bridges Anderson as its new head varsity boys and girls basketball coach.

He played varsity basketball for Opp High School and graduated in 1979.

He received a two-year basketball scholarship to play for Lurleen B. Wallace State Junior College.

Coach Anderson received an Associate Science Degree from Lurleen B. Wallace State Junior College in 1979, Bachelor’s Degree from Alabama State University in 1983, and a Master‘s Degree from Troy State University at Dothan in 1993.

Anderson was employed by Lurleen B. Wallace in 1990 where he served as a Counselor and Director for the Upward Bound and Apex Program. He is semi-retired and works as the Alternative Instructor at Greenville High School.

In addition, Bridges served as an Alabama High School Basketball Official for over 27 years and has served as Andalusia High School Girls’ Varsity Coach.

Coach Anderson has almost thirty years of experience working with young people, providing them with the necessary tools to complete high school and college.

Bridges is married to Cassandra Anderson.

Together, they have five children, Dr. Amber Anderson, Brice Scott, BJ Anderson, Devin Scott, and Cambry Scott.

RLHS also hired RLHS alumnus Frank Tolbert as an assistant basketball coach for the varsity boys and girls and head coach for the B team.

Tolbert graduated from Red Level High School in 2004.

He received a scholarship to play basketball at Auburn University and earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology.

He also played basketball professionally overseas.

“I am ready to embark on this new coaching journey here at my Alma Mater,” Tolbert said.

RLHS principal Randy McGlaun said it was an easy choice to hire the two.

“Their work ethic, knowledge of the game and energy are obvious reasons,” McGlaun said. “However, what stood out to me most is their character, a genuine love of working with young people and the fact they want to be at Red Level High School. I assure you the students, parents, fans and community will have no doubt where their heart is.”

What this means for RLHS athletics, McGlaun said, he expects to provide competent, cooperative and supportive coaches who are leaders in their school and community.

“We are fortunate to have two seasoned professionals who have had success at the next level on and off the court join the RLHS family,” McGlaun said. “Success generates success. Athletic success carries over to academics and vice versa. At RLHS, we are all in this together.”

McGlaun said he is looking forward to these coaches having a significant impact on the lives of all students.

“Just since this news broke today, I see an excitement with not just our basketball program but throughout our school I’ve not seen in a while,” McGlaun said. “All of our sports share athletes, that’s what you do in a small school. What I am looking forward to among coaches is a cooperating spirit across the board which is beneficial for all of our students, not just a few. Additionally, I want to see alumni come back, get involved and be a positive light for our school. The vast majority of our coaches are graduates of RLHS who share in this excitement and only want what’s best for our school.”

Along with the hiring of coaches, RLHS also did work on their basketball gym.

“We are so proud of the upgrades in our gym,” McGlaun said. “I’ve not been able to narrow down the last time there were major upgrades but it is close to 30 plus years ago. We have new paint all around, new stage pads and wall pads with our RL logo on order and a new sound system. We were able to use the sound system during graduation last week and it sounds fantastic. Can’t wait for the games. We are not finished though, we hope to continue to do the little things that will make our facilities memorable for our fans and visitors for years to come.”