Former W.S. Neal coach Hugh Fountain was introduced as the new leader of the Escambia Academy Cougars’ athletic programs Thursday, with his focus going towards continuing the success of the school’s football program.

Fountain comes to Escambia Academy with a career record of 159-102 with a resume that includes a 16-year stint at Charles Henderson High School in Troy, seven seasons at W.S. Neal High School in East Brewton and one season at Evergreen High School in Evergreen. At W.S. Neal, Fountain coached former Cougars’ head football coach Heath Gibson.

Fountain announced his retirement from Charles Henderson on Tuesday.

In speaking about his decision to take the Escambia Academy job, Fountain said working at the school never crossed his mind until he spoke to headmaster Betty Warren.

“To be honest, I’ve never thought about it before,” he said. “I spoke to miss Betty and that really got things rolling and after I spoke with her, I thought I have three kids and this would be a great opportunity to get close to home and continue to coach and build a great football program.”