Greg Byrne
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club started its new season and opened its August 25, 2025 meeting in the Clubhouse at Craft Farms Golf Resort at 6:58pm. Returning President George Autrey welcomed the crowd of 75 attendees as our Football Family. Guest were introduced, including Mayor Robert Craft.
George reminded all gathered that our annual Fundraiser Golf Tournament would be on Friday, October 24th at Craft Farms. Details to follow. Dan Palmier at One Club was recognized as our Title Sponsor. He also noted GCAC annually gives a $2,500 scholarship to an outstanding Male and Female Student-Athlete at Gulf Shores High School. The Club also gave $10,000 to GSHS Football for new hydration equipment. In all, the Club has given more than $150,000 to GSHS over the years.
We lost one of our longtime members and supporters, Bill McGinnis, AKA Papa Rocco of University of Michigan fame. Papa was a true legend and George did a great job of giving Papa a proper GCAC sendoff. He was a fighter to the end. There will be a Celebration of Life in January when the Snowbirds get back in town. Rest in Peace, GO BLUE.
Zach Estes gave a brief rundown for the Office Football Pool Pick ‘Em contest for this year. $25 entry to predict winners in about 12 games each week to win $$$ plus the famed Prolific Pigskin Prognosticator Award, currently gathering dust at one of the Means boys’ houses. Mayor and Taylor have been on a tear the last few years, but face about 40 seasoned challengers again this year.
GSHS Coach Watts gave the Dolphin Report. Slow start in football, but new “grass” on the football field this year means no more muddy games. He thanked the Club of the great donation and for continuing the Student-Athlete Scholarships. Volleyball has started and is doing great. GO DOLPHINS!
Longtime Team Reports and Crying Towel Guru Kevin Corcoran took over this week for the ever-missing-in-action Dec McClelland, reportedly somewhere near Miami, which one we don’t know. Noting the Club started in 1999, Kevin is such a Master at this and reminded everyone that all teams are currently either tied for first or last. He closed with a toast to Papa.
Our own Football superstar, University of Alabama Alumnus & All-American, Dr. Gaylon McCollough, introduced our Guest Speaker, University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne. Coming to the Tide from stints at Arizona, Mississippi State, and others, AD Byrne has done a remarkable job running the business known as UA Athletics and served as the President of the Collegiate Directors of Athletics in 2020.
Out of 19 sports, only two, Football and Men’s Basketball were profitable, with only six sports having ticketed events. 650 athletes and 350 employees make for a fulltime job. 57 students were Academic All-Americans and are enjoying newly renovated facilities across campus.
Telling all it was great to be back in Gulf Shores, AD Byrne spoke highly of former UA Coach Nick Saban and was grateful for the years they had together.
He shared several memories from over his years in the business. His Father was AD at Oregon for 30 years, then to Texas A&M. He’s proud his 11th Classmate from Oregon is sending their child to UA! He hired Dan Mullen at MS State and Nat Oates at Bama, clearly a great eye for talent. He said respect for Alabama was his reason for coming. He also stressed unity and genuineness, someone who cares about the kids.
His great instinct comes from wanting to talk to players who played for potential new coaching hires as he expects respect from those former players. He commented his method was to be prepared for every situation that might arise. He also noted that there is great value in strength of schedule.
Another excellent presentation by a real classy guy. Please come back again soon.
The 50-50 was drawn and the $195 was won by Brian Edmonds. The meeting adjourned at 8:33pm.
Submitted by Bill Tunnell, GCAC Secretary
