SPORTS LEDGER Established 2006 The PAGE 1B August 2025
Auburn Athletics will honor Bo Jackson at the Iron Bowl this fall to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Jackson’s 1985 Heisman Trophy winning season. Widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes ever, Jackson played football, baseball and ran track at Auburn from 1982-86 and later played professionally in the National Football League as well as Major League Baseball. Jackson became Auburn’s second Heisman Trophy recipient 40 years ago after rushing for 1,786 yards, which was the second-best single-season performance in Southeastern Conference history. The Bessemer, Alabama, native also rushed for 17 touchdowns that season while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. “Ever since he arrived on the Plains in 1982, Bo Jackson has represented Auburn in a world class manner in his athletic, professional and philanthropic endeavors,” Auburn athletics director John Cohen said. “Bo’s 1985 season ranks among the greatest in the storied history of Auburn and the Southeastern Conference. It is our privilege to honor Bo on the 40th anniversary of his Heisman Trophy season.” Jackson finished his four-year Auburn career with 4,303 rushing yards and 4,575 all-purpose yards and 43 rushing touchdowns. His No. 34 jersey was retired as part of Auburn’s football centennial celebration in 1992. Jackson played eight MLB seasons for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox and California Angels and was the 1989 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player and 1993 American League Comeback Player of the Year. Jackson spent four seasons in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, totaling 2,782 yards and 16 touchdowns before having his football career cut short with an injury. Bo Jackson To Be Honored At Iron Bowl Earlier this year the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved a scope of work and budget of $14.6 million for the renovation of Bartow Arena. The construction work will feature four main components that include (1) an entrance lobby expansion, (2) club- level lounge and club-level seating for enhanced viewing experience, (3) replacement of lower bowl retractable seating to elevate fan experience, and (4) concourse improvements including lighting and updated restrooms Pending UAB Athletics reaching fundraising goals and additional UA System Board of Trustee approvals, the project is anticipated to break ground following the completion of UAB's Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies. The Board of Trustees has approved a contract extension for UAB men’s basketball Head Coach Andy Kennedy. “Coach Kennedy has experienced tremendous success in his five years leading the program and this extension only solidifies the future of UAB basketball,” said Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. “We look forward to continuing to build UAB basketball’s brand locally and nationally under Coach Kennedy leadership.” “I would like to thank Mark Ingram, President Watts, Chancellor Trant and the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees for their continued support of our mission,” Kennedy said. The new agreement extends Coach Kennedy through the 2030-31 season. During Kennedy’s tenure, he has led UAB to two NCAA tournaments, two deep runs in the NIT, while appearing in four straight conference championship games. Kennedy has put together a 125-50 record at UAB which is the most wins in a five-year period in program history and 11th most in the NCAA during that span. UAB is one of only five programs in the NCAA to win at least 22 games per year over the last five seasons. Kennedy is one of only five active head coaches to have won 20+ games in 15 of his first 18 seasons as a head coach. UAB welcomes a brand-new roster to the 2025-26 season returning zero scholarship players. Kennedy brought in two freshmen, four JUCO transfers, and six division I transfers to round out the roster. Bartow Arena to Undergo $14.6 Million Renovation UAB Extends Coach's Contract
The Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides several youth dove hunt opportunities each fall. “For many future hunters their first experience afield was during one of Alabama’s youth dove hunts,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “From fostering community to connecting them with the outdoors, these hunts are a great way to introduce kids to the many outdoor recreation opportunities the state has to offer. We encourage anyone with children who are interested in hunting to experience one of our youth dove hunts this season.” Registration for this year’s hunts will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025. Although the hunts are free, online registration is required. The first youth dove hunts of the season begin on September 6. For more information including a complete hunt schedule, visit www.outdooralabama. com/youth-hunting/youth- dove-hunts. Alabama’s youth dove hunt events are held in open fields and staffed by WFF personnel, which encourages a safe, secure environment for both parents and youth participants. Before each hunt, a short welcome session with reminders on hunting safety is conducted. To participate, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old (or a parent) who has a valid state hunting license, a Harvest Information Program (HIP) and a Conservation ID number. Youth Dove Hunting Wildlife and
Guntersville's Hudson Oliver makes a leaping catch against Geraldine during the program's 2025 Jamboree football game on August 14. The Wildcat's roared out a 14-0 lead at the first break, and won the first half battle 21-0. The Wildcats officially open the season on Friday, August 22 against Southside. Geraldine kicks off the new year with a home game against Sardis on August 21. Be sure to keep up with all the football action this fall online at www.thesportsledger.com. Guntersville Wildcat Football Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Jacksonville State Football Ushers in a New Era Coach Charles Kelly to lead Gamecocks
By Myra W. Pierce The Sports Ledger
of several key contributors from their 2024 CUSA championship campaign. A few of Jax State’s high-profile transfers include: • Gavin Winsatt (QB, from Kentucky) • Cade Cunningham (QB, from Marshall and Memphis) • Cam Cook (RB, from TCU) • Trevor Woods (S, from Colorado) These additions, as well as others, bring depth and versatility. Returning standouts like sophomore defensive end Jawaun Campbell and wide receiver Michael Pettway offer continuity and veteran leadership. Jacksonville State’s 2025 slate features eight Conference USA matchups and four non-conference games. The season opener kicks off on August 28 at 6:00 p.m. CT, as the Gamecocks travel to Orlando to face the University of Central Florida (UCF). Jax State returns home on September 6 to host Liberty University, with kickoff set for 11:00 a.m. CT. With a fresh coaching philosophy, dynamic new talent, and a competitive schedule, the Gamecocks are gearing up to make a statement in 2025—and fans should expect a season full of grit, growth, and gridiron excitement.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are poised to begin a bold new chapter in their football journey as the 2025 season kicks off with Charles Kelly at the helm. Stepping into his first head coaching role, Kelly succeeds Rich Rodriguez, who departed to take over the program at West Virginia. Kelly is an Auburn alumnus with a master’s degree from Troy, as well as a veteran coaching assistant at powerhouse programs including Florida State, Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama. Known for his defensive acumen and steady leadership, he brings a wealth of experience and a championship mindset to Jacksonville State, which remains a proud competitor in Conference USA. Kelly’s arrival at Jax State signals a comprehensive reset for the Gamecocks, starting with a revamped coaching staff that is expected to reflect Kelly’s disciplined, defense- first philosophy. On the field, the Gamecocks will showcase a retooled roster, especially on offense, following the departure
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