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COACH LEE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
& NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
After an incredible tenure spanning 10 seasons, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Coach Lee, St. Luke’s fourth Head Varsity Football Coach. Throughout his time with us, Coach Lee has exemplified the true spirit of our school, serving as a phenomenal representative and embodying our core values with unwavering dedication.
Coach Lee and his staff have led the Wildcats for the past 10 years, qualifying for the state playoffs five of those seasons and winning two Region Championships in 2017 and 2018. His 2017 team celebrated many "firsts in school history" including winning the first region championship, defeating 4 ranked teams, first marching band, first 10 win season, 6 players of the week and most points scored in a single season, and first quarter final appearance. His 2018 region championship team won 11 games, exceeding the record set the previous year. Most recently, his 2024 team was region runner-up, winning 6 games and qualifying for the state playoffs while starting 6 freshmen on offense and on defense. During Coach Lee's tenure, 16 players have had the opportunity to play football at the next level. Coach Lee credits the support of the school and its parents, and the dedication of his players for the success that the program has enjoyed.
Coach Lee's impact extends far beyond the football field. He has nurtured not only athletic skills but also the character development of his players. His genuine care and mentorship have left a lasting impression on all those he has guided. As Coach Lee embarks on this new chapter in his life, we express our deepest gratitude for his contributions and wish him nothing but the best. Thank you, Coach Lee, for your inspiring leadership and commitment to St. Luke’s.
Coach Lee will stay on through the end of the school year, continuing to work with our student-athletes and building for next season.
In a pep rally held Thursday, Coach Lee announced the new football coach, Joe Gilmore. Gilmore is a native of Mobile, AL and has more than 11 years of coaching experience that will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Wildcats.
For the last five years, Gilmore was the Offensive Coordinator for varsity football at Northlake Christian School in Covington, Louisiana, and also served as the Assistant Athletic Director for the last two years. Gilmore also has previous offensive line coaching experience at St. Luke’s from 2016-2018. In addition to his coaching experience, Gilmore’s administrative experience includes his position as Dean of Students at Northlake Christian School.
Gilmore graduated from St. Paul’s Episcopal School in 2009, The University of Alabama in 2013 majoring in Physical Education, and the University of South Alabama in 2015 with a masters in Physical Education.
“I consider it an honor and a blessing to be named the new head football coach at St. Luke’s Episcopal School. I am so grateful to the Board of Trustees and the administration for this opportunity. I would also like to give a big thank you to Coach Lee for laying the foundation for this program and holding the athletes accountable for the standards set forth by the school. As the head football coach, I will strive to provide a challenging, supportive, and caring environment where student-athletes reach their academic, athletic, and personal goals. Athletics play an essential role in teaching young people to conduct themselves with honesty, and integrity. Beyond the playing field, athletics can teach students to strive for excellence, persevere through adversity, make sacrifices, and compete with dignity and pride. GO WILDCATS,” Gilmore said.
We are thrilled to welcome Coach Gilmore back to the St. Luke’s family. “Coach Gilmore’s reputation, energy, and passion for teaching and coaching football is undeniable. He displays all of the characteristics desired by our community. We are very excited to see where Coach Gilmore takes St. Luke’s Football Program,” says Suzy Banks, Head of School. “I also want to thank Coach Ronn Lee for his years of service as head football coach at St. Luke’s,” continued Banks, “Coach Lee has been a great representative of our school and has always honored St. Luke’s values and cared deeply about his players and their character development. We wish Coach Lee nothing but the best in his retirement.”
The entire St. Luke’s community is eager to welcome Coach Gilmore and looks forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our football program!
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