Chris Childers
Subbing for absent President David Lee, Linda Martin welcomed all to the September 11, 2017 meeting of the Gulf Coast Athletic Club. She got huge applause when she said she wouldn’t be telling any of David’s jokes.
She also displayed the plaque awarded the GCAC for its induction into the Gulf Shores High School Hall of Fame before the first GSHS home game this year. President Lee and several other Club members attended the game, with President Lee accepting on behalf of all the past and present GCAC members, honored for their longtime commitment to Dolphins athletics.
Ms. Martin also acknowledged our own Dr. Gaylon McCullough for his receipt of the Paul W. Bryant Alumni Award given at halftime this past Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Congratulations, Doc, for years of dedicated service to the University of Alabama and to GCAC!!!
Visitors were introduced and Membership Chairman David DeMeyer announced we had 15 new members so far this year.
Linda announced the Office Football Pool was off to a rousing start. Leading the pack after the first two weeks is none other than Fred Dickinson, closely followed by the rest of the field.
New Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Matt Blake was introduced. He said he was glad to be back and looked forward to “making a difference in these young men and women” at GSHS. He noted lots of turmoil over the summer and his first day on the job was only on August 3rd, barely six weeks ago.
Stating he was happy to be working with new GSHS Principal Veasey, he said she gets it and is fully supportive. Coach Blake said he is proud of the way his team has fought in the first two games. They gave all and should be proud. “You’ve got to believe that you’re really as good as you are’” He continued, “We can play with anybody. We’ve just got to believe.” Cross Country and Girls Volleyball are doing great with strong performances in several tournaments.
Andrew Hart handled the Team Reports in the absence of the wandering Dec McClelland. No real surprises in this young season unless you support Auburn, Notre Dame, or Ohio State.
With Dec’s absence, Linda said she turned to the only person who could do the Crying Towel the best. Coming out of retirement for one appearance, longtime Crying Towel Guru Kevin Corcoran was at his absolute best with his quips. Noting the young blood in the club, he said that brought the average age to “Deceased.” His performance was spectacular and the Crying Towel was awarded to Texas A & M, whose logo was magically transformed. You had to be there, and unfortunately, no A & M fans were.
Past President Taylor Means introduced Chris Childers with Sirius/XM Radio. Being one of the pioneers in satellite radio, his current show “Full Ride” airs 9am to 1pm daily. Nicknamed “the Show Pony”, he is the most popular host on the station. Wanting to be in college football (“the greatest sport in the world”) at an early age, he worked his way up the ladder until he took over for Tim Brando.
He gave a running summary of current teams –Alabama – great, Clemson – maybe, Auburn – too many sacks, Georgia – encouraging. He stated Dabo had “Sabanized” the Clemson defense and Auburn’s defense was very good. Oklahoma shocked him against Ohio State.
He then fielded question from the crowd about Coaches Kevin Sumlin, Chip Kelly, Butch Jones, Bob Stoops, Jim Harbaugh, and others. He ended by telling about making Coach Saban smile.
Afterwards, Taylor Means won the 50-50, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.
