This week in HS Sports: Honoring 4 legendary writers who left a true legacy

This is an opinion piece.

This Sunday afternoon, the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) gathers at Jacksonville State University for its 54th annual convention. For more than 30 years, these meetings have served as a cornerstone of my career, rooted in the values established by my first mentor, Jimmy Smothers, the longtime ASWA treasurer who passed away in 2015.

Honoring a Legacy of Excellence

While the landscape of sports journalism has evolved since I first started at the Gadsden Times, the spirit of fellowship and recognition remains vital. Sunday night’s banquet will celebrate statewide athletes of the year, alongside the announcement of Mr. Baseball and Miss Softball, the Jimmy Smothers Courage Award, and the Herby Kirby award for the top story of the year.

However, this year’s convention carries a heavy heart. Since our last gathering in June, we have lost four pillars of the Association: John Pruett, Phillip Marshall, Rubin Grant, and Mike Bolton. Their deaths leave a significant void, but we will pay a special tribute to their remarkable contributions this weekend.

Remembering the Titans

Each of these men left an indelible mark on Alabama sports coverage:

• John Pruett: Known for his humble approach, he put the focus on the fans and the athletes, never on himself.
• Phillip Marshall: A member of a legendary sports writing family, he possessed a rare talent for breaking news and cultivating sources.
• Rubin Grant: Respected for his versatile coverage and his role as a minister, he was as admired for his character as he was for his writing.
• Mike Bolton: A uniquely creative and versatile talent, he excelled at covering everything from the outdoors to any major sport.

Their collective body of work taught me that every assignment—whether a short blurb or a deep feature—is significant. While the industry has shifted away from the printed newspapers I grew up watching my father read, the core mission they taught remains: Don’t take any story for granted. Always give it your all. Make a difference.

A Final Tribute

Reflecting on their influence, former colleagues have shared the impact of these writers. Former Auburn athletic director David Housel noted that we may never see a writer with Phillip Marshall’s specific ability to express himself again, while Bill Bryant and Tom Arenberg highlighted the selfless, high-level contributions of Pruett and Bolton, respectively.

I remain in awe of the path they paved. These men made a genuine difference in the world of journalism and in the lives of those they chronicled. As we gather in Jacksonville, we are reminded to carry their lessons forward: Leave a legacy. Finish well.