Mark Hudspeth
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club opened its November 21, 2022 meeting in the Clubhouse at Craft Farms Golf Resort at 7:00pm. President George Autrey welcomed the crowd of 40 members and guests.
The GCAC Golf Tournament was a smashing success. After a two-year layoff due to COVID and Sally, 22 teams with 89 players had a great time at Craft Farms. David Lee gave thanks to the incredible Fred Dickinson, Taylor Means, and a host of volunteers. This team effort grossed $23,060, maybe a new record, and we hope to net about $14,000. All performance awards were given back to the Club for auction and the Love Auction brought in $2,650. The weather was perfect and can’t wait until next year.
President George kept repeating what a strange week it was for the Prolific Pigskin Prognosticator Pool. After Tom Bruce went 10-2 last week, George said the wrong Tunnell is in the top spot this week, aka Your Editor, who crushed the competition (when you get to do the report, like the size of “fish that got away”, it just gets bigger), just plain luck. The Season Football Poll again has Cynthia Tunnell ahead of all 25 prognosticators with a few weeks to go. Congratulations to HiYield!! Momma needs new shoes!
Coach Tubbs gave a great Dolphin Report. Swim set a new GSHS record. In Sectionals, Boys were 1st and Girls were 2nd State is in Auburn this week. Football – this did not happen by accident!! Great effort by all and thanks to City of Gulf Shores, School Board, Dr. Akin, Kevin Corcoran, Coach Hudspeth, and others. 11-2 = just amazing!! Basketball is starting. GO, DOLPHINS!!
Dr. McCollough presented our Scholar-Athlete, present here with her parents. Lily Zlab, a 5’9’ Volleyball Outside and Middle Hitter and a track star, has a 3.9 GPA, and was selected GSHS Female Athlete of the Year!! Volleyball made the State Final Four, first time ever! In Track, Lily won the 6-A Regionals in Javelin, High Jump, and Discus. She is interested in Healthcare at UAB. “Thanks to my Coaches, Teammates, and Parents – great support.” She and her parents moved here from Washington,DC.
As the seasoned 15 year professional that he is, Kevin Corcoran handled the Team Reports with grace until he presented 2 Crying Towels to the Tennessee Volunteers. The numbers 38-63 come to mind.
Coach Mark Hudspeth was introduced as our Guest Speaker. Coach Hud is in his second year as GSHS Head Football Coach and has held positions at North Alabama, Louisiana-Lafayette, Austin Peay, Delta State, Mississippi State, and the U. S. Naval Academy before coming to Gulf Shores. He is not your regular High School Coach, being born in Mississippi, coaching at a variety of schools and with a great college experience. His son currently coaches at Troy.
Coach Hud said this has been a great experience and Dr. Akin had great vision. What incredible support from the community and school. He noted GCAC gave the program 2 blocking sleds his first year and gave a great example of their continued use. He commented on the backing from the community with the Knee Bend, tailgating on Game Day, welcoming the team, and other highlights. He’s excited about the new school coming soon.
He noted the 2022 season of 11-2 was the first time for 9 wins in the regular season, and then to the third round of the AAHSA Playoffs. This team scored more points ever!
He regularly goes and supports the Rec team, JV, and Junior Teams, and raises their expectations. GSMS has 80 players this year, up from 35 in 2020. Great growth!! The GSHS team works 12 months a year with meetings promptly from 7:15am-9:15am daily, then on the field in the afternoons. Key players are returning and everyone is involved.
He said his first hire here was Character Coach Fred Franks as the team needs life lessons to take forward from football. “We are trying to changes lives, spiritually and academically, build accountability, instill core values, and build our community.” Amen, Coach.
Coach Hud left us with “Follow us on social media – “A Day in The Life of GSHS Football”. GREAT!!!
Kevin Corcoran sweetened the Golf tourney pot by giving $500 from REMAX for the putting contest.
The 50/50 pot was awarded to Taylor Means. The meeting adjourned at 8:14pm.
Next meeting on January 30, 2023 and will feature ESPN Personality Cole Cubelic.
