Alabama Honors Cecil Hurt With Press Box Plaque

The College of Alabama has honored late Crimson Tide sportswriter Cecil Damage with a plaque within the press field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and a seat for the 2022 season.

The plaque reads: “Cecil Damage 1959-2021

“One of many preeminent sportswriters of his time, Cecil Damage is a reputation that might be eternally intertwined with The College of Alabama and its athletics division. Nonetheless, Cecil was extra. He was a good friend and mentor to many journalists who sought his knowledge and counsel. He was additionally a trusted confidant to coaches and directors. Cecil possessed the uncommon capacity of constructing and rising skilled relationships whereas nonetheless holding these he coated accountable ― a trait that helped him turn into one of the vital revered scribes within the nation.

“He was inducted into the Alabama Sports activities Writers Corridor of Fame in 2022 and was the recipient of the Mel Allen Media Award from the Alabama Sports activities Corridor of Fame in 2019. Cecil was a part of the reporting staff that gained the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for breaking information for the Tuscaloosa Information’ protection of the 2011 Tuscaloosa twister.

“His father performed soccer for coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, which started Cecil’s ardour for Tuscaloosa, the College of Alabama and specifically, the athletics division at a younger age. He began his profession working within the UA Sports activities Info Workplace whereas incomes an undergraduate diploma from the Capstone. He was employed by the Tuscaloosa Information in 1980 the place he remained till his loss of life in 2021. 

“His voice and opinion mattered to many,” the plaque continues. “Most significantly, his friendship and knowledge mattered to all ― not solely to those that knew him personally, however those that religiously learn his work and thought of him a good friend. Cecil constructed a long-lasting legacy, and he’ll eternally be missed.”

Damage died final November from issues from pneumonia. He was 62. 

Donations for the Cecil Damage Endowed Help Fund for Excellence in Sports activities Media will be made at give.ua.edu/cecil.

See Additionally:

• Sights and Sounds from the ASWA fiftieth Anniversary Awards Banquet

• ASWA Corridor of Fame and Corridor of Honor

• Cecil Damage, Mark McCarter to be Inducted into ASWA Corridor of Fame