The Messenger

Legendary Etowah High School coach James Glover's plaque at the Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame.

Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame needs a woman's touch

By Joshua Price/Sports Editor

Last week I strolled through the Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame, located inside Fitness Plus in Rainbow City. Bronze plaques with likenesses of the most revered athletes and coaches of this county line the walls of the facility. Each plaque gives a brief description of the athletic achievements of each member. Jim Glover, Doc Griffith, Buster…

Plaques honoring former West End High School coaches Wayne Robinson and Brent Clifton on the front of the Patriots’ field house. Clifton’s plaque was revealed during a special ceremony on April 14. Photo by Joshua Price/Messenger.

Friendship, legacies etched in stone

By Joshua Price/Sports Editor

West End High School principal Mark Stancil said it best.

“The world is a better place because he lived.”

Stancil was referring to Brent Clifton, who was involved in practically everything at West End for forty years as both an athlete, teacher and coach. 

During the 1970’s and 1980’s, Clifton taught science and physical education and coached all sports for…

Gadsden High School halfback Harry Littleton (40) in Charity Bowl action in 1957. Photo courtesy of the Gadsden Public Library.

The Tough Tigers of '57

By Joshua Price/Sports Editor

This article was originally published in The Messenger on October 28, 2011 as part of the top teams countdown.

Prior to the ’57 season, there was much skepticism as to the expectations of the Gadsden Tigers. Beginning his second year at the helm, head coach Jerry Watford knew he had a few good players returning from a 1-7-2…

Barney Bridgers managed the Gadsden Pilots baseball team in the 1930's and 1940's. Photo submitted by Mike Goodson.

Remember the Pilots

By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
 
Etowah County has a great baseball heritage. The Gadsden Pilots were one of the most popular teams to call Etowah County their home.

Gadsden was a “Class B” team in the Southeastern League during the 1930s.

Although times were tough during the days of the “Great Depression,” the Pilots were a successful financial draw in the Gadsden…

Ty Cobb (December 18, 1886 – July 17, 1961)

Cobb, Tigers played baseball in Gadsden

By Mike Goodson
Sports Correspondent
 
The Etowah County area has always been a hotbed of sports. People throughout the county are avid sports fans and love football, baseball and basketball. From the youngest children to the semi-pro and professional players that have played baseball and softball in Etowah County, residents take their sports seriously.

One of the earliest recorded games of baseball…