Knight named Athletic Director at St. Bernard Prep

Fr. Joel Martin, OSB, Headmaster at St. Bernard Prep recently named Wade Knight as the new Athletic Director at St. Bernard Prep replacing James Tolbert who ended his reign at the school two weeks ago. Knight, a 38 year veteran teacher and coach, has been employed by the school for the past two years as a physical education instructor. In addition to his classroom duties and Athletic Director duties, he will serve as varsity basketball and baseball coach.

“This is what I love to do,” Knight said smiling. “I have spent the majority of my life in the classroom and coaching. I have tried other things – I sold used cars, and I sold new cars, and I even drove Bluebird buses all over the country, but I am happy to be back in the school setting.”

Father Joel comments, “God takes care of St. Bernard, and Coach Knight’s presence here at this time is proof of that. We’re fortunate to have him because of his fine reputation, dedication to students, positive approach, and long-standing family connection to St. Bernard.”

Knight has worked a number of years in the County system – Fairview and Harmony, but spent the majority of his time at Good Hope High School. His number one goal for St. Bernard is to work on the fundamentals of each sport. “We will work on the fundamentals of the game, and form a habit of playing hard all the time,” Knight added.

Knight said he is looking forward to working with the Saints. “These are some of the best kids in the world. Once we teach the fundamentals, they will learn to play with character and class. Our number one goal is to get better every day we practice, and to get better every game we play – then eventually we will win a few games,” chuckled Knight.

St. Bernard offers girls volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, cross country/track, and soccer. Boys are offered cross country/track, basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball, and wrestling.

Knight continues a family tradition at St. Bernard Prep. He is the son-in-law of the renowned Coach Charlie Richards whose name is honored in Alabama athletics. He is married to Ruth Anne Knight, who instructs at St. Bernard; and has two sons, Kurt (Tanya) Knight and Kevin; and one grandson, Jake.