Before we say goodbye to 2021, a quick look back at some of the key figures from the world of sports who lost their lives, including former coaches Bobby Bowden and Howard Schnellenberger, journalist Cecil Hurt and Alabama basketball’s most devoted fan, Luke Ratliff.
Cecil Hurt (1959-2021)
The legendary columnist with the Tuscaloosa News died at UAB Hospital in Birmingham on November 23 from complications from pneumonia.
Although Hurt also had the title of sports editor, it was as a columnist that Hurt made his biggest impact, as each article became a must-read for Crimson Tide fans.
In 2019, he received the Mel Allen Media Award from the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. It honors those who made a lifetime contribution to sports through their work as a media member in the state.
The only other recipients of the award have been John Pruett (2014), George Smith (2014), Tom Roberts (2015),…
