Dr. Chuck Karr
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club opened its October 9, 2023 meeting in the Clubhouse at Craft Farms Golf Resort at 7:00pm. President George Autrey welcomed the crowd of 65 members and guests.
New members and guests were introduced and welcomed. Scholar Athletes were in the house for the third meeting in a row. George asked all to continue to RSVP for meetings.
The Prolific Pigskin Prognosticator contest, or Office Football Pool, continues 6 weeks in with Fletchakl or Ken Fletcher still in control. Bob Higgins and Fred Dickinson are right behind. These extra points Key games will tell the tale.
Gulf Shores Athletic Director Paul Davis gave the Gulf Shores High School Dolphins report. Football is now 6-0. Dolphins are ranked #1 in 5A and #14 Statewide. Volleyball won the area tourney and Swimming is active. Cross Country is up and running. GO, DOLPHINS!!
Dr. Gaylon McCollough introduced our third set of Scholar Athletes. Lauren Henry is a member of the Girls Tennis team and a Cheerleader. She has a 4.1 GPA and a 33 on her Act. She’s a member of the 30+ Club and National Honor Society, wants to be a Physical Therapist, and eventually open free health clinics.
Grant Stewart has a 4.26 GPA and scored a 26 on his ACT. This NHS member is on the golf team, and also plays in the Band and Concert Band. He also grew 17,000 oysters in Little Lagoon to be transferred to Mobile Bay for Bay cleaning. This Boy State attendee wants to be a business owner.
All Scholar Athletes selected to be honored by the Club will be eligible for a scholarship worth from $2,500 to $5,000 at year end depending on how well the Club does at its Annual Golf Tournament to be held October 27th at Craft Farms. Get a team and come play for a great cause!
Returning to our Club as Guest Speaker was Dr. Charles Karr. Chuck is from Gulf Breeze, FL where he played baseball. In 1980, he entered the University of Alabama, earning a BS, MS, and PHD there, and where he left 42 years later after retiring as the Dean of the College of Engineering. After 2 whole days, he was hired as President of University of Alabama – Huntsville. Smart on their part.
He gave a fascinating overview of the state of College Football and how NIL and the Transfer Portal are impacting every NCAA Football Division from CFP down through Division 3 and NAIA. His view, shared by many in the audience, is that the NCAA has no control over what’s happening now. He pointed out the positives and negatives of both “Pay To Play” NIL and the Portal, that literally will touch all young athletes and their futures.
Can NIL be stopped in High School? No, but it can be managed. Team athletics usually teach more to kids than most classes. One interesting fact: Division 3 schools usually have 25% of their total enrollment participating in Athletics. Fabulous presentation!! Hey Chuck, you can come back anytime!
The $115 50-50 prize was awarded to Sandy Moody who donated it back to GCAC.
The 10/23/23 GCAC Speaker will be former University of Alabama and Denver Bronco star running back
Bobby Humphrey.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm.
