GCAC funds scholarships for local athletes, as well as helping local athletic departments. The membership is made up of more than 80 men and women who are graduates and supporters of college athletic programs across the country, including the SEC and other conferences.
To raise money to support scholarships and athletic programs, an annual golf tournament, several trivia nights and other activities help to accomplish the club’s mission.
Each of the eight Fall meetings includes dinner and a well-known guest speaker as well as team reports and a “crying towel” award. The meetings are held at the Craft Farms Golf Clubhouse on Monday evenings.
Those interested in joining GCAC may contact Andrew Harte,
membership chairman, at 251-223-3622 or email at Andrew@remaxgs.com , or go to the website at
If you have identified anyone you would like to invite to join the club this year, please send me their name and email address. I will work with Andrew Hart to solicit these potential members next week.
Thanks you for your continued support of GCAC!!!
President: George Autrey
Website Publishing: Jim Walker
19th Annual GCAC Golf Tournament Results
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club opened its August 28, 2023 meeting in the Clubhouse at Craft Farms Golf Resort at 7:00pm. President George Autrey welcomed the crowd of about 60 members and guests.
George welcomed all members and guests and told all we’d try to stay on schedule with our start time. We do need a RSVP for the Craft Farms team to adequately prepare for the buffet meal (which was extremely good) so there are no delays in the meeting.
The annual Football Prolific Pigskin Prognosticators Contest will start with this week’s 12 or so games. A new wrinkle this year is you may pick a key game and, if your pick beats the point spread, you get 3 points credit rather than just one. Might make a difference in the final results in January!
Shug Jordan aka Mayor Steve Means reports his wife is tired of him winning the coveted PP trophy every year, so he urges all to play hard. Cynthia Tunnell aka HiYield has already stated “Momma needs new shoes”, and, as our first two-time Champion, she’s definitely a force to reckon with. Your Secretary knows that too well.
Our Gulf Shores High School Dolphin report was given by new Athletic Director Paul Wilson. Here since February, he loves the place and competitive spirit seen in all male and female sports. Volleyball has started off winning again this year, and of course, GSHS won the opening football game 41-20 over St. Michaels and Coach Philip Rivers. Go, Dolphins!!
Again this year, we will recognize 3-4 male and female scholar/athletes during the year as they compete for GCAC college scholarships worth a minimum of $2,500 each. Dr. Gaylon McCollough and the Board have had this program for many years and its success is notable. Of course, the Club’s purpose is support for GSHS and our athletes and the Club has contributed in excess of $200,000 over the years in support and scholarships. This year will continue that tradition. Dr. McCollough urged the members and guests to support our efforts and told the Club we contributed $10,000this year for the awesome new teal colored helmets for the Dolphins!
Our major fundraising event is our annual golf tournament to be held on Friday, October 28, 2023 at Craft Farms Golf Club. Get your team together and come out and have great fun for a wonderful cause.
Team Reports were given with 19 different teams chiming in on what may or may not happen to their favorites this year. No Crying Towel yet, but just wait until the next meeting!!
Our Speaker is GSHS Head Football Coach Mark Hudspeth, as charismatic a leader as ever found in the High School or College ranks. We’re fortunate to have him as our team runs as efficiently as a college program, acts great, practices great, and plays hard. Coach was 6-6 his first year, then in 2022, led the Dolphins to 11-2 and the third round of the AHSAA Football Playoffs, including the first ever Playoff game held in Gulf Shores.
Coach led the Club in a Snap Count drill and, sorry to say, some of our members were offsides! Coach talked about the transfer portal and its trickle-down effect, with college players now less accountable and the college game changing daily. He talked about great memories in his college coaching career and noted his record is still 3-0 in the Egg Bowl - you Ole Miss and State fans know all about that.
Some random observations during his talk – Coach Hud has 13 players on scholarship from the first two years and 85 players on the team. He has “Graduate Assistant” coaches and all team coaches work with players at lower/young Rec teams to insure the program thrives. The Administration is very supportive.
* “Look good, feel good, play good”
*”Every drive should end in a kick”
*”The way you do anything, it’s the way you do everything.”
*”Players need to be accountable and disciplined.”
*”Make it fun, but also make tough. Make our community better.”
Another great presentation, Coach. We’re delighted you’re here!
GS School System Head Kevin Corcoran talked about where we were in 1999 and where we are now. “Leave it better than you found it”. Dr. McCollough echoed the same sentiment as it’s “a different culture now”.
The 50-50 was awarded to original Club Member Chuck Norwood.
The 9/11/23 GCAC Speaker will be Coach Tony Franklin.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:27pm.
Submitted by Bill Tunnell, GCAC Secretary
From Our GCAC Meeting
Monday
August 28th, 2023
Mark
Hudspeth
Gulf Shores Head Coach
Coaching: Miss St.- Navy
GCAC
2022-2023
Scholarship Recipients
Lily Zlab and Cameron Cooper
with George Autrey and Taylor Means
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club
Is Proud To Announce Our
2022-2023--Scholar Athlete
$2,500 Scholarship Award Winners!
Lily Zlab and Cameron Cooper
Lily and Cameron will both receive a $2,500 Scholarship Award.
The GCAC, through the continued hard work of their members and partnered sponsors, were able to maintain the scholarship award
at the highest amount in the clubs history.
Lily and Cameron were chosen from a distinguished list of Scholar Athletes from the Gulf Shores High School. We wish nothing but continued success in the futures of both our winners and all the Nominees.
G U L F C O A S T A T H L E T I C C L U B
Join the Gulf Coast Athletic Club!
Click here to download information.
Celebrating Sports Fellowship,
Spirit, and Community Pride
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club opened its September 11, 2023 meeting in the Clubhouse at Craft Farms Golf Resort at 7:00pm. President George Autrey welcomed the crowd of 65 members and guests.
President George asked that all members please continue to RSVP for the upcoming meetings. He did mention the first two weeks of the College Football season was crazy.
Going right into the Prolific Pigskin Prognosticators Contest, otherwise as the College Football Pool, we have 39 paid participants this year, so a good award awaits some savvy picker at year end. He mentioned several who were doing well, and last year’s leaders were giving everyone else a chance to catch up early on. BRAUS14 with 11 won Week 1 and JCB4AU took Week 2, also with 11. This year, a new “trick” ploy, picking a key game worth 3 points, may prove to be the deciding factor.
Gulf Shores High School Athletic Director Paul Wilson gave the Dolphins report. Football starts out kicking with a 3-0 record with Regional adversary UMS coming up at home on Friday. Volleyball is in full swing with another great start. Cross Country has started and the year is in a “full go” mode.
Dr. Gaylon McCollough said this is his favorite time of the year, when the Club introduces GSHS Male and Female Scholar Athletes who will compete for the Club’s annual scholarships awarded at year end. These two young ladies are no exception to the string of incredible Scholar Athletes to precede them.
Our first Scholar Athlete is Morgan McCartney, a young lady who is a one-person track team all by herself. Decathlon, Heptathlon, Discus, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Javelin, wow, that’s enough right there. She’s been on Varsity Track since the 8th Grade with multiple records in all events. A 4.1 GPA, and National Honor Society member, she plans to compete in College Track somewhere and plans to be an anesthesiologist. She loves Healthcare and is already a Certified Patient Care Technician.
Our second Scholar Athlete is Dianna Moore, with a 4.26 GPA and a 31 on the ACT. She has played Volleyball for 9 years and is Team Captain and on the All-American Watch List. A member of NHS, Sr. Class Secretary, and a Class Ambassador, she plans to go to South Florida with studies in Biology and a career as an Orthodontist. She has a scholarship in Scuba Diving.
A great shout out to Taylor Means for his coordination in this great program.
Team Reports are really good with almost 20 teams weighing in, with longshot Colorado being the highlight this week! Ably handled as usual by the quick-witted Dec McClelland, his “committee” selected none other than the expected Alabama Crimson Tide for this week’s Crying Towel (sorry, Clemson, you dodged a bullet). Fred Dickinson accepted the CT on behalf of the Bama Faithful.
Tonight’s speaker is Tony Franklin, another great example of GCAC members getting outstanding programs and speakers from the entire football community. Tony has been the Offensive Coordinator at Auburn, Troy, California, Army, Middle Tennessee, Kentucky, LA Tech, and others. Tony says there are only 130 team in Division 1 football and he’s coached at or against 80 of them!
This Kentucky native talked about the “Smell of Football” in the State of Alabama. Obviously, he’s had the experience, plus he worked with the legendary High School Coach Rush Propst in creating The Tony Franklin Fast Tempo Football System, a movement that spread throughout the HS ranks, then to the College level, used by more than half CFP college teams and hundreds of High Schools.
Tony then became successful as an author with “Fourth Down & Life To Go” and “Victor’s Victory”, a story about a 15-year-old who died at Football practice because there was no AED Deliberator available, now AEDs are always available. “Do good for somebody who can never repay you.”. Tony Franklin, a fascinating man who was a really impactful speaker.
The $81 50-50 was awarded to Bill Tunnell, who donated it back to GCAC.
The 9/25/23 GCAC Speaker will be GSHG Defensive Coordinator Coach Brian VanGorder, former college and NFL coach.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm.
Submitted by Bill Tunnell, GCAC Secretary
From Our GCAC Meeting
Monday
September 11th, 2023
Tony
Franklin
Former Off. Coordinator
Auburn, Cal, Mid-Tenn,
Kentucky, Troy
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club opened its September 11, 2023 meeting in the Clubhouse at Craft Farms Golf Resort at 7:00pm. President George Autrey welcomed the crowd of 65 members and guests.
President George asked that all members please continue to RSVP for the upcoming meetings. He did mention the first two weeks of the College Football season was crazy.
Going right into the Prolific Pigskin Prognosticators Contest, otherwise as the College Football Pool, we have 39 paid participants this year, so a good award awaits some savvy picker at year end. He mentioned several who were doing well, and last year’s leaders were giving everyone else a chance to catch up early on. BRAUS14 with 11 won Week 1 and JCB4AU took Week 2, also with 11. This year, a new “trick” ploy, picking a key game worth 3 points, may prove to be the deciding factor.
Gulf Shores High School Athletic Director Paul Wilson gave the Dolphins report. Football starts out kicking with a 3-0 record with Regional adversary UMS coming up at home on Friday. Volleyball is in full swing with another great start. Cross Country has started and the year is in a “full go” mode.
Dr. Gaylon McCollough said this is his favorite time of the year, when the Club introduces GSHS Male and Female Scholar Athletes who will compete for the Club’s annual scholarships awarded at year end. These two young ladies are no exception to the string of incredible Scholar Athletes to precede them.
Our first Scholar Athlete is Morgan McCartney, a young lady who is a one-person track team all by herself. Decathlon, Heptathlon, Discus, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Javelin, wow, that’s enough right there. She’s been on Varsity Track since the 8th Grade with multiple records in all events. A 4.1 GPA, and National Honor Society member, she plans to compete in College Track somewhere and plans to be an anesthesiologist. She loves Healthcare and is already a Certified Patient Care Technician.
Our second Scholar Athlete is Dianna Moore, with a 4.26 GPA and a 31 on the ACT. She has played Volleyball for 9 years and is Team Captain and on the All-American Watch List. A member of NHS, Sr. Class Secretary, and a Class Ambassador, she plans to go to South Florida with studies in Biology and a career as an Orthodontist. She has a scholarship in Scuba Diving.
A great shout out to Taylor Means for his coordination in this great program.
Team Reports are really good with almost 20 teams weighing in, with longshot Colorado being the highlight this week! Ably handled as usual by the quick-witted Dec McClelland, his “committee” selected none other than the expected Alabama Crimson Tide for this week’s Crying Towel (sorry, Clemson, you dodged a bullet). Fred Dickinson accepted the CT on behalf of the Bama Faithful.
Tonight’s speaker is Tony Franklin, another great example of GCAC members getting outstanding programs and speakers from the entire football community. Tony has been the Offensive Coordinator at Auburn, Troy, California, Army, Middle Tennessee, Kentucky, LA Tech, and others. Tony says there are only 130 team in Division 1 football and he’s coached at or against 80 of them!
This Kentucky native talked about the “Smell of Football” in the State of Alabama. Obviously, he’s had the experience, plus he worked with the legendary High School Coach Rush Propst in creating The Tony Franklin Fast Tempo Football System, a movement that spread throughout the HS ranks, then to the College level, used by more than half CFP college teams and hundreds of High Schools.
Tony then became successful as an author with “Fourth Down & Life To Go” and “Victor’s Victory”, a story about a 15-year-old who died at Football practice because there was no AED Deliberator available, now AEDs are always available. “Do good for somebody who can never repay you.”. Tony Franklin, a fascinating man who was a really impactful speaker.
The $81 50-50 was awarded to Bill Tunnell, who donated it back to GCAC.
The 9/25/23 GCAC Speaker will be GSHG Defensive Coordinator Coach Brian VanGorder, former college and NFL coach.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm.
Submitted by Bill Tunnell, GCAC Secretary
From Our GCAC Meeting
Monday
September 25th, 2023
Brian
VanGorder
G.S.H.S. Def Coordinator
Defensive Coordinator with Georgia, Auburn, Notre Dame, Louisville.
Coaching w/NFL: Falcons-Jets-Jags
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club opened its November 6, 2023 meeting in the Clubhouse at Craft Farms Golf Resort at 7:00pm. President George Autrey welcomed the crowd of 58 members and guests. He said our original speaker, Jim Nagy, Executive Director of the Senior Bowl, was unable to attend as he would be hand-delivering a 2024 Senior Bowl invitation to a SEC Quarterback. George said a former speaker, Kevin Scarbinsky, graciously accepted a last-minute invite and would be here shortly from Birmingham.
New members and guests were introduced and welcomed.
The Prolific Pigskin Prognosticator contest, or Office Football Pool, only has 4 weeks left and it’s getting tight at the top. Week 9 saw Kevin Corcoran, the Voice of the GSHS Dolphins, have an almost perfect week with 13 of 14 possible points. Week 10 saw There Went the Irish and your Editor, Battleship60, hit the 10 mark. Fletchakl or Ken Fletcher is still in control!
Gulf Shores Athletic Director Paul Wilson gave the Gulf Shores High School Dolphins report. Football is now 10-0. Dolphins are ranked #1 in 5A. They will be hosting the first round of the AHSAA Playoffs this Friday against Beauregard, a decent football team. Volleyball lost in the State tourney and Swimming qualified 15 for State!! Cross Country was second in the Sectionals. Both Boys and Girls Basketball has started. GO, DOLPHINS!!
The 2023 GCAC Golf Tournament was hugely successful. With revenues of approximately $27,585 and expenses of $11,850, the net $17,000 plus will be used for this year’s scholarships for our Male and Female Scholar/Athletes. 88 players, including the GSHS Golf Team, participated. David Lee thanked the Committee, Fred Dickinson, who always works tirelessly, Taylor Means, David Harper, and himself, plus several others. Major sponsors included our Presenting Sponsor, Kitty’s Kafe, Beverage Cart Sponsor, Ferrell Family Dental, Golf Cart Sponsor, The Sloop Restaurant, and Maids of Mischief as the Silent Auction Sponsor. Hole sponsors, Tee sponsors, and Gift Sponsors all contributed greatly and were recognized with placards on each table.
Team Reports and the Crying Towel were again handled with deft precision by Dec McClellan, who made a fan out of our Guest Speaker, who claimed Dec was a hard act to follow. After much lamenting and griping from the assembled crowd, this week’s Crying Towel was awarded to LSU as the “Bayou Bengals get trampled by Jalen Millreaux” 42-28.”
Our returning speaker was Kevin Scarbinsky, who has had a 40 plus year career in sports reporting, podcasts, etc. for, first the Birmingham News, then AL.com, and others. He currently has a podcast and a newsletter, all available for $5 per month. Always entertaining, Kevin took in many of the changes from 2016, when he was last here, to the present day. For instance, Auburn’ current Head Coach in 2023 was the Head Coach of Ole Miss in 2016. Coach Saban’s OC in 2016 is now the Head Coach at Ole Miss. Very cool to hear from whence the SEC and other have evolved. He delighted the crowd with great stories of Saban, Kirby, Hugh, Gus, and more. He needs to come back more often.
The $107 50-50 prize was awarded to Tom Sweatt, the Club’s resident Vanderbilt fan.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.
Submitted by Bill Tunnell, GCAC Secretary
From Our GCAC Meeting
Monday
November 6th, 2023
Kevin
Scarbinsky
Longtime Sportswriter
Birmingham News
AL.com
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 28 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.
Submitted by Bill Tunnell, GCAC Secretary
From Our GCAC Meeting
Monday
October 9th, 2023
Dr. Chuck
Karr
President
University of Alabama
in Huntsville
Kevin Scarbinsky
Longtime sportswriter for The Birmingham News and AL.com.
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club opened its October 23, 2023 meeting in the Clubhouse at Craft Farms Golf Resort at 7:00pm. President George Autrey welcomed the crowd of approximately 60 members and guests. Scholar Athletes were in the house for the fourth meeting in a row. George asked all to continue to RSVP for meetings.
New members and guests were introduced and welcomed. A special guest was introduced, new Gulf Shores High School Men’s Varsity Head Basketball Coach, Jimbo Tolbert.
The Prolific Pigskin Prognosticator contest, or Office Football Pool, continues 8 weeks in with Fletchakl or Ken Fletcher still in control with a 4-point lead that may be hard to catch! Some familiar names are coming back to life, but Randy Harkins and Doug King are right on Ken’s trail.
Gulf Shores Athletic Director Paul Davis gave the Gulf Shores High School Dolphins report. Football is now 8-0. Dolphins are ranked #1 in 5A. Vigor from Mobile is here Friday for Homecoming and then another toughie, B. C. Rain. Volleyball won the area tourney and Swimming is strong. Cross Country is up and running, and had their best finish in the Baldwin County Meet. GO, DOLPHINS!!
Dr. Gaylon McCollough introduced our fourth set of Scholar Athletes. Emily True has a 3.9 GPA and 31 on the ACT. This is her 4th year of Varsity softball and she also has participated in Volleyball and Bowling. This National Honor Society member wants to go to Ole Miss and major in Marketing & Communications.
Our Male Scholar Athlete is Otto Brewer III has a 3.8 GPA. This stalwart of the GSHS Football Defensive Line also plays Tight End. This young man is head of Turning Point USA, a youth leadership program and GSHS has the largest chapter in the USA. He would like to be an Investment Banker and has yet to choose a college as he’s weighing scholarship offers.
These 8 Scholar Athletes, having been selected to be honored by the Club, are eligible for a Male & Female 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 this Friday at Craft Farms. Doc also thanked Taylor Means and others for their assistance in gathering this information.
Making another encore appearance for Team Reports was the undisputed King of the Crying Towel, Kevin Corcoran. A report was circulated that Dec was last seen at Notre Dame. After numerous team reports, the famous Crying Towel was given to Tennessee for their recent failure at Alabama. “Rocky Flopped”. No further explanation needed.
Returning to our Club as Guest Speaker was former Alabama and Denver Broncos Running Back Bobby Humphrey. Bobby is an incredible story, growing up in the Projects next to Legion Field in Birmingham, selling Cokes in the upper deck as a kid, then returning to star for the University of Alabama.
Remarking that he and his wife, who still hold the 400 Meter record at UAB at 53 seconds – folks, that’s fast - had five children, all of which played Division One sports in college, he said how excited he is about college Football, so fun to watch, but NIL is now involved in recruiting. He said it’s so important to enjoy what you’re doing. “Don’t let anyone shatter your dreams” and “always do your best since you never know who’s watching”.
Bobby told some great tales, especially about his Mother who didn’t want him playing football. Funny how that turned out. In Q&A, he said it was a huge jump from high school to college. When asked about his best game, he recounted the Tennessee game in 1986 when he ran for 215 yards, when he was “in a zone” and it gave him the confidence he needed to play SEC Football.
He said to seize the moment as you never know how much time you have left. He didn’t do that as his Pro career lasted only 5 years after making the Pro Bowl his first year.
After Bobby received a Standing Ovation, Doctor McCollough, who has known Bobby 40 plus years, told the Club that Bobby is a clear example that sports and athletes offer a way out to better yourself.
The $105 50-50 prize was awarded to Michigan’s own Poppa Rocco.
The 11/13/23 GCAC Speaker will be Senior Bowl Exec Jim Nagy.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33pm.
Submitted by Bill Tunnell, GCAC Secretary
From Our GCAC Meeting
Monday
October 23rd, 2023
Bobby
Humphrey
Former Alabama &
Denver Broncos
Running Back
Scottie Mae Photography
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A huge THANK YOU to Scottie Mae Photography for taking photos of our event.
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