After the sudden retirement of former Alabama High School Athletics Association (AHSAA) executive director Alvin Briggs last April, the central board began an immediate search for Briggs’ replacement.

They finally landed on former coach and Oxford High School principal Heath Harmon, who addressed the media in an introductory press conference on Thursday night.

Harmon was asked about some of the big questions surrounding high school sports in 2024, such as NIL and the high school transfer portal issues. He told reporters he’s learning as much as he can about the challenges facing the state.

He did, however, give an indication of how he is going to lead — saying that if a rule is in place, it will be enforced.

"If we have a rule, we're going to enforce the rule…

evolution of leadership is integrity. The ability to consistently focus on doing the right work. It takes stamina, courage. That's what I'm committed to"

AHSAA executive director Heath Harmon when I asked about concerns… pic.twitter.com/qMTIAPHxMI

— Simone Eli (@SimoneEli_TV) June 6, 2024

Harmon was asked directly about his message to those who are concerned about the integrity of high school athletics and upholding bylaws as well as holding schools accountable for rules violations.

“First of all I would say that if we have a rule, we’re going to enforce the rule,” he said. “If you don’t want that rule enforced then there is ways we can change the rules, but we have the rules for a reason.”

“I want everyone involved to be united in what we are doing. But also, evolution of leadership is integrity. It’s the ability to consistently focus on doing the right work. That takes some stamina, that takes some courage. And that’s what I’m committed to doing.”

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.