Mark Hudspeth has made a name for himself through his consistent history of elevating the football programs he’s been associated with. But Cully said his impact goes beyond the wins and the facilities he’s helped erect.

He’s altered the courses of the football programs he’s been associated with, yes, but he’s also developed the character of the men in his charge.

“The No. 1 thing that I remember most about Mark, that most people don’t know, and this is true Mark Hudspeth right here, he told me about a kid that was having and this is true Mark Hudspeth right here, he told me about a kid that was having a problem and helping kids try to be a better person,” Cully said. “Wear a tie, dress nice on Monday and do the right thing.

“He said, ‘I believe, when I get to heaven, the good lord is going to ask me, Mark, did you do all you could do for that kid?’ He wasn’t saying that to the media, he asn’t saying that to someone who would go tell, it was just me and him talking. He believes that in his heart. That’s the type of person Mark is, and that’s what describes him as being the best.describes him as being the best.

“Some of them may not realize it now, but five, 10 years from now, they’ll realize what Mark Hudspeth did for them because he was their ball coach.”