Closing the Playbook to Open the Next Chapter

Tim Shepler is retiring from Homewood High School's basketball program after three decades of coaching!


"It was just time," Coach Shepler said. "But no rocking chair for me. I am unsure what is next, but I know God will show the way." Hailing from a devout Christian household, his upbringing instilled in him strong values that have shaped his character and outlook on life. His focus transcends mere victories or defeats, aiming to impart invaluable lessons that shape the character and values of the young men under his guidance.


Born and raised in Indiana, the heart of basketball country, he developed a passion for the sport from a young age. His formative years coincided with the heyday of Bobby Knight's tenure at Indiana University. After graduating as a player from Oral Roberts University, Shepler took a job coaching football and basketball at a middle school in Louisiana. And then a few years into his career, on a whim, he called the legendary John Wooden, who not only answered the phone, but then invited Coach Shepler to his home to talk further! This amazing opportunity became a pivotal eight hour conversation that truly helped shape his coaching career.


"He never talked about winning," Coach Shep said. "He only talked about your best effort, doing your best. And if you do that, you can be satisfied. His old, famous definition of success was basically doing the best with what you have, all the time."


Wooden said that when he got to UCLA in 1948, nobody cared about basketball. It was all about surfing and other things. So it took time to grow that program. Wooden didn't win a championship until 1964, his first of ten. Inspired by Wooden's longevity and emphasis on character, integrity, and teamwork, Shepler adopted these principles as the cornerstone of his coaching style, eventually building up to a Class 6A state title in 2016.


"John's was a 16 year plan, mine was a 20 year plan to build a championship team," Coach Shep jokes.

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His career was no joke though! In 29 seasons at Homewood, coupled with five years as a head coach in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Coach Shep amassed 662 career wins. In addition to the 2016 Class 6A state championship, the Patriots also finishing as state runners-up in 2008 and 2010. Under his leadership, his teams secured 13 area titles, and 28 players advanced to the college ranks, a testament to his ability to nurture talent. And bringing the wisdom of John Wooden and his philosophy full circle, Coach Shep recently won the Alabama Association of Basketball Coaches 2024 John Wooden Legacy Award! The recognition seeks to honor scholastic basketball coaches around the country who are educators and have achieved excellence on the floor, in the classroom and in the community that further embody the characteristics and legacy of Coach John Wooden. The criteria for this award are rooted in the ideals of education, longevity, character, service and excellence!


Throughout Coach Shep's coaching career, he has been fortunate to have the guidance and support of numerous mentors who played a pivotal role in shaping his success. Now he is hoping to pass that along working for the last two seasons with assistant Elijah Garrison, who figures to earn strong consideration for the head coaching position.


"No matter who the school picks as coach, I hope the foundation we have built will make it easier for someone to step in and have success," Shep said.


It was clear that what has also been particularly gratifying, especially since announcing his retirement, is that he has gotten a lot of texts from ex-players, parents and other coaches reminding him of the impact he has had on their lives, that he made a difference.


"You know, it didn't take long after getting to Homewood in 1995, and getting in the school system, and being around faculty and people in Homewood, that you realize this is a high level excellence minded community that really makes you step up your own game," coach said. "This community is about excellence. And so I think it's challenged me to be as good as I can be. And, hopefully I've done that for 29 years in Homewood!"

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