ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME 1981

Jack Jones
Football, Baseball
and Basketball
(1947-1951)

Jack Jones, a native of Fairfax, Ala., was a three-sport (football, basketball and baseball) athlete for West Alabama from 1947-1951. Jones received many athletic honors, including being named Captain and Most Valuable Player his senior year in football as well as being selected Little All-America. He played in the 1951 Senior Bowl and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Following graduation from UWA, Jones coached at several state high schools before returning to West Alabama as a coach and a teacher.

Nels Strickland
Football
(1967-1971)

Nels Strickland, a native of Waycross, Ind., was the first West Alabama athlete to be named First Team All-American. Strickland played middle linebacker on UWA’s 1971 NAIA National Championship team. Strickland was named Most Valuable Defensive Player in the title game for his 15 tackles, seven assists and one interception. He was tabbed permanent defensive captain for the 1971 team and its most Outstanding Defensive Player. Strickland was named All-GSC first team his senior year and went on to play in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts. He holds the school record for longest interception return for his 100-yard return against North Alabama in 1971.