Ronnie Stapler
Class of 1997
Ronnie Stapler built a remarkable career in Huntsville athletics as both a player and one of the city’s most successful high school basketball coaches.
Stapler grew up in Huntsville and played three years of varsity basketball at Butler High School under legendary coach T. E. “Cotton” Rogers. During his senior season, Stapler served as a starting guard on a Butler team that compiled an outstanding 28–1 record. The experience of playing for one of Huntsville’s most respected coaches helped shape Stapler’s understanding of the game and his later approach to coaching.
Following high school, Stapler continued his playing career at Walker College for two seasons before transferring to Centenary College. He later completed his collegiate career as a senior transfer at Florence State College, where he graduated in 1970. Stapler later earned a master’s degree from the University of Montevallo.
Stapler began his long career as a teacher and coach at Virgil I. Grissom High School, where he worked for more than 28 years. During that time he coached multiple sports including golf, wrestling, football, softball and basketball.
His greatest impact came as Grissom’s longtime head basketball coach. Entering the 1997–98 season, Stapler had compiled an impressive 392–238 record with the Tigers. His 1988 team captured the Alabama state championship, while his 1997 squad finished as state runner-up.
Stapler’s influence extended far beyond wins and losses. Over the years, 40 of his players earned college scholarships, a testament to the discipline, skill and preparation he instilled in his teams.
Through decades of dedication to teaching and coaching, Ronnie Stapler helped shape Grissom basketball into one of Huntsville’s most respected programs.
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