Reese Dismukes
President Linda Martin opened up the October 7, 2019 meeting of the Gulf Coast Athletic Club meeting at 7:00pm. She noted we are already halfway through the season. New members and guests were introduced, which included the Bride of Head Coach Matt Blake, Courtney Blake and son, Paten Blake.
George Autrey took the podium and announced we have a new leader in the Football Pool. BulldogBilly is currently in first place in the season-long contest with a winning percentage of 56.7%, followed closely by 87Bama with 56.0%. This week’s winner, with 8 of 10, was “Claudia”, Ms. Dale Sumpter. Great picking, Dale! The previous three season-winners, including your Editor, are all lingering toward the back of the pack, but watch out for a strong finish! The season is still young.
Coach Matt Blake was introduced and thanked the Club for its continued support. GSHS had a rough outing last week against the State’s #1 team, Saraland, with a 28-0 deficit after the first quarter, but played a solid game after that. Lots of opportunities and a reminder that it’s a four quarter game. Our very own Andrew Hart handled the game PA duties for the first time, subbing for our very own Kevin Corcoran, the long-time PA announcer for GSHS Football, who was out of town.
Gulf Shores Middle School Volleyball just won the County tournament and Varsity VB is also doing great. Cross Country once again has a strong squad and should qualify several for the State Meet. Swimming won the first two matches. In two weeks, Basketball and Wrestling will start. GO DOLPHINS!!
The Pride of the Irish, Dec McClelland, returned from his Mexican sabbatical and led the Team Reports, noting 6 SEC Teams in the Top 25 in the AP Poll. We think he was trying to avoid the Crying Towel by being so far out of town. The Crying Towel went to the Auburn Tigers for their loss to the Florida Gators. “Florida Gators Nix Auburn” or something like that. John Boller was gracious in his acceptance “speech”.
President Martin told all that the Memorial Service for the late David DeMeyer, our late infamous Washington State Cougars fan, was excellent and a fitting tribute to a really great guy. RIP, David.
Past President Taylor Means introduced former Auburn Center Reese Dismukes, who ably stepped in for the missing Johnny Davis who have to cancel at almost the last minute for a medical emergency. Reese played at Spanish Fort HS and, at Auburn, was the Nation’s #1 Center his Senior Year, winning the Remington Award which recognizes the best Center in America.
He currently is in the Insurance business on the Eastern Shore and also coaches Middle School Football at UMS in Mobile. He noted the first key to success is to get your 6 out of bed and get going. Reese credits Coach Matthew Wells, his Line Coach, at Spanish Fort, for his playing success.
Reese started 50 games during his four year stint at Auburn, starting every game as a Freshman, an amazing feat in itself. He was All SEC twice, and an All American, plus served as AU Team Captain for his last two years. During his time, Auburn did play in the National Championship game against Florida State, but, as he says, came up “13 seconds short” as FSU mounted a late game scoring drive to win in 2013.
He gave a great rundown of key games in his AU career with lots of comments about the “Prayer in Jordan-Hare” and the “Kick 6’ games. His professional career wasn’t as successful, although he was a member of the Carolina Panthers team who played Denver in Super Bowl 50, Payton Manning’s last professional game. Injuries cut short a promising career.
Reese continued his talk with a Q&A session with good thoughts about this year’s AU Tigers, plus other comments on the impact of social media. He concluded his remarks by talking about his major project, the 50 Foundation, which aids children with epilepsy. He started the Foundation in 2017, and has had success in raising funds for scholarships and service dogs. He also has a podcast, “Between the Tackles”.
The 50/50 was drawn and awarded to Fred Connell. Adjournment was at 8:11pm.
