Jackie Sherrill
Chairman David Lee welcomed all to the October 24, 2016 meeting of the Gulf Shores Athletic Club, being held at Craft Farms at 7:00pm. He commented on the great weather and mentioned there would be no monologue, which brought huge applause. He did say that Ohio State should have received the Crying Towel, but no member will admit to supporting the Buckeyes!
After guest introductions, which included the parents of our guest student athletes, Membership Chairman David DeMeyer reported members now number 104 as the club has increased in each of the last six years. He said that club dues also pay for Speakers fees and scholarships for GSHS students.
Club member Fred Dickinson gave a brief recap of political amendments which affect GCAC members and Gulf Shores residents.
GSHS Head Football Coach Jamie Williams gave the club an update of Gulf Shores High sports currently in action. He also brought Offensive Coordinator Jason Hill and Defensive Coordinator Lucas Webber with him. Volleyball and football are winding down, but wrestling and spring sports will be starting soon.
Chairman Lee then told of the GCAC Football Pool and it appears that Girls Rule!! SaltyDog, RonBon, The Bridge, and Quinns are currently leading the pack. Battleship Bill sits in 5th. Great fun!!
GCAC awards annual scholarships to two deserving GSHS Seniors. Of the four girls and four boys being considered this year, two were with us that evening. Tiffany Hughes has a 3.5 GPA and plays, softball, basketball, volleyball, and also in the Band! She has 5 offers to play college softball, but wants to get a medical degree at South Alabama. Bailey Rowe is on the wrestling team and started wrestling at age 5. He hopes to wrestle in college, but has a great desire to help others.
Dec McClelland once again did an outstanding job with Team Reports. 6 teams from the SEC are currently in the Top 25. The Crying Towel went to Arkansas for the 56-3 drubbing by Auburn.
After a very special presentation by Mississippi State Fan Linda Martin, our Speaker was Jackie Sherrill. He played for the Bear 1961-65 (a teammate of our own Dr. Gaylon McCullough), started his career at Washington State, went to Pitt where he coached Dan Marino and Tony Dorsett, then to Texas A&M for 7 years, and at Mississippi State from 1991 – 2003, where he had the most wins in school history.
Coach Sherrill talked of his history with famous coaches, Broyles, Dooley, Holtz, and Bryant. He said Coach Bryant always knew what to say, and how to say it. Jackie said he was a player’s coach, and wanted to be the best, but said now he is devoting his life to helping former players suffering with head issues, dementia, stem cell, and other injuries.
He held the audience speechless for the rest of his talk, commenting on football conferences and their future, the NCAA, the TV market, coaching in general, and loyalty. He stressed nutrition was vitally important today and the # 1 prevention for concussions is hydration. Athletes must also be well fed and since the NCAA did away with training tables, athletes need more nutrition than the meal plan allowed at most schools.
He concluded that his job as a Coach was to give players more than X’s and O’s. You’re there to make them men, make them do things they don’t want to do, and you’re not their friend. Must have worked!
After the 50-50 drawing, the meeting concluded at 8:45pm.
