Huntsville Star of Sports: Tommy Neupert sets example for Huntsville High football

Sponsored

There are some people who have an aura about them that is completely contagious. That can certainly be said for longtime Huntsville High School football manager Tommy Neupert Jr.

Neupert has served as team manager for the Panthers for 20 years now. And his contributions to the team over two decades earned him the Huntsville Sports Commission’s Star of Sports Award.

A true Star of Sports

The Star of Sports Award is given to Huntsville residents who display exemplary performance, sportsmanship, service, contribution and leadership. The recipient must also be an individual or team that:

• Has a unique or memorable moment, experience or career in sports
• Makes the Huntsville community better through sports
• Advances the mission of the Huntsville Sports Commission

Anyone who has spent any time around Tommy knows he embodies all of those characteristics.

Tommy is a 2010 graduate of Huntsville High School and returned to his alma mater two decades ago to assume the role of manager for the Crimson Panthers football team.

Since taking over those duties, Tommy has become a team, school and community star. His work ethic and contagious positive attitude have come to embrace the model of sportsmanship and excellence of Huntsville High School and the community as a whole.

‘Be like Tommy’

Tommy has not let cerebral palsy keep him from setting an example for all young athletes.

Huntsville Sports Commission executive director Mark Russell, who also oversees football officials for the North Alabama Football Officials Association, said when he is training new referees, he always uses Tommy as an example of hustle, dedication and attitude.

“‘Be like Tommy,’ I always say. He has a great attitude, he takes pride in his job, he doesn’t take a play off, he is what sports are all about. Loves his team, loves the game, puts in 100 percent effort every time he steps on the field.

He’s a referee favorite. Has been for 20 years.”

Mark Russell, Huntsville Sports Commission

Huntsville City Councilman Bill Kling was on hand to see the Star of Sports presentation to Tommy, and Kling said he understands just how much work is involved in Tommy’s job.

Kling’s father was the manager of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team in the 1930s, and often told Kling about how hard the job was, albeit a rewarding one.

What Tommy has been doing for Huntsville High the last 20 years is by no means an easy job. And he does it well and with no complaints. He’s a hard worker with a great attitude and is an example for all of us.”

Bill Kling, Huntsville City Councilman

This is the third Star of Sports Award given by the Huntsville Sports Commission. Past recipients include:

• Dr. David Lee (catalyst for the youth and high school wresting community here in Huntsville)
• David Nast (running enthusiast, advocate for the local sports community)

About the Huntsville Sports Commission

The Huntsville Sports Commission was established in 2000, and since then has organized, recruited and managed numerous tournaments, events and competitions here in the Rocket City. Led my Mark Russell, the organization has brought tourism dollars into the city through hosting these events.

The organization helped bring in more than $50 million in revenue in 2024 alone.

Huntsville has hosted a wide array of sporting events through the HSC, including:

• Conference USA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments
• SEC gymnastics
• NCAA beach volleyball championships
• AHSAA soccer championships
• NCAA soccer
• AHSAA cross country
• NCSA swimming
• The American Junior Golf Tournament
• Rocket City Water Polo Tournament
• USTA Clay Court Tennis Championships
• 2025 ACCC Basketball Championships
• USA Paralympics Cycling
• ASUN Women’s Golf Championship

To find out more on the Huntsville Sports Commission — as well as upcoming events — check out their website.

Sponsored by: