Briarwood Christian School Superintendent, Mr. Gus Martin, along with the Athletics Administration, is delighted to announce the appointment of Coach Chris Heaps as the new Head Varsity Baseball Coach and Athletics Director at Briarwood.
Heaps has accepted this appointment after a successful two-year tenure as an assistant coach at Briarwood under Coach Steve Renfroe. Prior to his time at BCS, Heaps retired from Russellville High School in 2022, where he led his team to back-to-back Class 5A state titles. With an impressive coaching record that includes multiple state championships and Coach of the Year honors, Heaps brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
During his time at Russellville, Heaps achieved a remarkable 70% win rate and secured class 5A Alabama State Titles in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2022. His passion for baseball began during his playing days at Hartselle under the tutelage of legendary coach William Booth. Heaps continued his playing career at Gadsden State before being drafted by the New York Yankees. After three seasons of professional baseball, Heaps transitioned to coaching, spending 15 years as an assistant under Coach Booth at Hartselle, where he contributed to 564 wins and three state titles in 1999, 2000, and 2009, along with two State Runner-Up finishes in 1998 and 2010.
Heaps' coaching journey also includes a successful stint as the head coach at 6A Central-Phenix City, where he led the Red Devils to the Final Four and earned the title of Class 6A Coach of the Year.
Heaps, along with his wife Michele, resides in Birmingham, where they are close to their children and grandchildren. They attend First Baptist Church in Gardendale.
Mr. Martin also extends his gratitude to Coach Steve Renfroe for his service and dedication for 14 years of service as the BCS Varsity Head Baseball Coach.