LOOK: Auburn press box honors recently departed Alabama newspapermen
When the Iron Bowl kicks off on Saturday, two notable Alabama-based reporters won’t be in the press box covering it. Auburn is honoring the two late sports reporters by filling their seats inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Tuscaloosa News’ Cecil Hurt and the Birmingham News’ Charles Hollis both passed away this month. Ahead of the biggest game of the year in their home state, Auburn’s athletic department placed pictures, flowers and credentials for the two in their respective press box seats.
“Honoring two legends that played vital roles in telling the story of college football in our state,” Auburn sports information director Kirk Sampson tweeted. “RIP Cecil Hurt and Charles Hollis.”
Hurt, 62, passed away Nov. 23 after a battle with pneumonia. Hollis died at the age of 69 on Nov. 2.
Alabama coach Nick Saban reveals special aspect of relationship with Cecil Hurt
Cecil Hurt covered Alabama football and basketball for the Tuscaloosa News since 1982. That’s nearly four decades. The former beat writer for the Crimson Tide passed away on Tuesday due to complications from pneumonia.
During his time covering Alabama football, he established a very special relationship with Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, something very few people in the media can attest to. In Wednesday’s press conference, Saban spoke with reporters about his special relationship with Hurt.
“I’d like to send our deepest condolences to Cecil Hurt’s family, friends, all the people that enjoyed the columns he wrote through the years,” Saban began. “I know it was his passion to do a great job in terms of how he covered Alabama athletics.
“He was a good friend. He was actually a trusted companion, to me. I confided a lot of things in him. He never violated my trust. I thought the guy was one of the brightest, neatest big picture thinkers ever that I’ve been associated with in the media environment.
“I truly just loved the guy — loved his sense of humor, loved the way he went about his work and he’ll certainly be missed by all of us. But our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”
It’s well known that Saban has a somewhat contentious relationship with the media. So anytime the Alabama head coach says that he “loved” someone, those words carry a tremendous amount of weight. He’s not exactly known for being the warm and fuzzy type, but he has had rare moments over the years where he has shown his lighter side.