News Summary
Aiken High School has announced Steve Hibbitts as the new head coach of the football team, aiming to revitalize a program that has faced challenges for years. Hibbitts, known for his success at Lakeside High School, intends to build a resilient team culture and improve competitiveness within Region 4-AAAA. With a promising junior class and a focus on teamwork, Hibbitts hopes to guide the Hornets to a brighter future starting with the upcoming season opener against Aynor.
Aiken, SC – Aiken High School has officially announced the appointment of Steve Hibbitts as the new head coach of the football team, amid ongoing challenges that have plagued the program for over a decade. The Hornets football team has faced considerable adversity, marked by a streak of 25 consecutive losses, excluding a forfeit win last season. This transition comes as the school aims to turn the tide and re-establish a competitive presence in high school football.
Hibbitts brings a wealth of experience to Aiken High, having previously led Lakeside High School for eleven years. During his tenure there, he achieved notable success, including being named the Georgia High School Association Coach of the Year after guiding his team to a commendable 10-2 season. His leadership will be critical in revitalizing the Hornets’ football culture, focusing on fostering teamwork and developing leaders among the predominantly junior roster.
The current Aiken High football team features a promising junior class, including quarterback Tanner Padgett, who had a productive season last year, passing for 885 yards and seven touchdowns. Key returning rushers include juniors Darius Walker, JaMarey Bonaparte, and Gray Kitchings. Senior Caleb Griffin emerged as the leading receiver last season, complemented by Walker, junior Tarrant McKenzie, and Kitchings, who are also expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming season. On defense, senior Colt Gunnels led the team in tackles, and sophomore Brandon Poston has already received a scholarship offer from Georgia Southern.
Hibbitts has made it clear that building a resilient mindset will be essential for the team moving forward. He understands the need for the players to learn from past setbacks and strive for improvement. Consequently, the Hornets aim to adapt their play style to enhance their competitiveness, particularly within Region 4-AAAA, where they will face formidable opponents.
The team’s schedule for the 2025 season is set to commence on August 22 with a season opener against Aynor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Aiken High football history. Both Aiken High principal Angela Moore and Athletic Director Phillip Blacha have expressed their confidence in Hibbitts’ leadership capabilities and his vision for the program’s future, highlighting their commitment to supporting the football team as they work toward revitalization.
In addition to focusing on football, Hibbitts plans to implement community outreach initiatives and provide academic support for student-athletes, emphasizing a holistic approach to development. His coaching philosophy represents a commitment to encouraging players to excel not just in athletics but across all areas of their lives. To symbolize this mission, the team has adopted the motto #WINFOREVER, which embodies a pursuit of continuous improvement on and off the field.
As Aiken High School prepares for this new era of football under Hibbitts’ guidance, the community and the players alike are hopeful that the groundwork being laid will lead to a brighter future for the Hornets. With a focus on team cohesion, leadership development, and a resilient mindset, Hibbitts aims to transform the Aiken football program into a competitive force in the seasons to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken County Community Events and Initiatives for August
South Carolina High School Football Season Kicks Off
Aiken high school football schedule: Homecoming, Senior Night & Weeknight Games
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Aiken Area
Local High Schools Kick Off Football Season with Jamborees
Aiken high school football schedule 2025: Key Dates, Venues & Printable Calendar
Aiken high school football schedule: Week-by-week 2025 Hornets guide
Aiken high school football schedule: Full 2025 season, kickoff times & rivalries
Aiken County Jamboree to Showcase Local Football Talent
Tragic Shooting at NFL Headquarters Involving Casino Worker
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Hornets Begin Hibbitts Era
- WJBF: Aiken Hires Hibbitts as New Head Football Coach
- Aiken Standard: South Aiken Loaded with Youth Potential
- WRDW: Aiken Football Begins New Era Under New Head Coach (Video)
- WJBF: Artificial Turf to be Installed at 4 High Schools in Aiken County
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: Aiken High School Football
- Google Scholar: Aiken High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google News: Aiken High School News
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
