Jamarcus Russell
President Linda Martin opened the September 24, 2018 meeting of the Gulf Coast Athletic Club. She then introduced Past President Taylor Means and Taylor proceeded to introduce our guest speaker, JaMarcus Russell, former LSU star and the first person drafted in the NFL Draft after his stellar college career.
JaMarcus started his playing career at Mobile’s Williamson High School, and finished as a Parade All American. He was heavily recruited by Florida State, Alabama, Tennessee, and LSU, who had some coach named Saban. Choosing LSU over his beloved Florida State – his mother said Baton Rouge was closer than the others, he went 9-3 in 2005 under Saban, then 10-1 in 2006 under Les Miles, and 10-2 his last year. After being drafted, he played 3 years until injury sidelined his active playing career.
What was it like playing for Coach Saban? He was a “wonderful man, straight forward, an Army Sergeant, a real defensive guy”. Coach Miles, on the other hand, was an offensive guy. He said he loved Les, but he wasn’t Saban. He didn’t expect to go pro after his third year, but received advice to do so. He then made a comment that he liked honest people and many around the game are not.
He commented about the Tua/Jalen QB battle and that you’re “gonna play if you’re good and you need to be ready when your number is called’”.
JaMarcus came back to Mobile after his football career was over. He is now the Head Football Coach at his alma mater, Williamson High School. He said, “I’m back in my community to make it sweet!” WHS is currently 3-1 and he believes will be better, “Never let them tell you what you can’t do.” Respect your mother and father and “learn when, and when not to. One day you will learn.”
President Linda called on Membership Chairman Andrew Hart who reported 98 members!
Football Pool Chair David Lee reported Chuck Norwood is currently in first, with Bill Tunnell, Debbie Bower, and David himself close behind.
DR. Gaylon McCullough introduced our first of several student athletes after commenting that JaMarcus had allowed us to see his heart and that God had truly blessed him.
Our female student athlete is Megan Kirby. She has a 30 on the ACT and a 4.36 GPA. She plays varsity basketball and also a lifeguard, saving several lives at the beach. This National Honor Society and Girls State achiever wants to be a physician, studying at either USA or UAB through the early admission into Medical School program.
Our male student/athlete is Jacob Knight, who plays three sports at GSHS. He sports a 29 on ACT and a 4.0 GPA. He is a three year starter and offense AND defense for the GSHS football team and is the Team Captain. His role model is Tim Tebow and Jacob seeks a career as a Firefighter and a Minister. He is looking at SEU in Lakeland, FL. Jacob participated in President Martin’s LIT program at GSHS.
Coach Matt Blake reported on school athletics, saying these two students represent what we strive for all our students to become”. Football has its ups and downs, Volleyball is finishing strong, and Cross Country has four individual champions. “Go Dolphins!!”
Dec McClelland handled the Team Reports and Crying Towel deftly as usual. Sadly, Madame President Linda Martin took the Crying Towel for the Mississippi State loss to Kentucky. “What the Snell?”
The 50/50 drawing was held with a pot of $94 Adjournment was at 8:13pm.
