It had been more than 50 years since Herman “Bubba” Scott coached some of these “boys” at Haleyville High School where he was the football coach. But time made no difference. These “boys” demonstrated their love for their former coach Aug. 3 when a retreat house was named and dedicated for him at the Big Oak Ranch in Gadsden.
“Coach Scott was like a father figure to us,” said Buddy Lockhart, now a Birmingham businessman. “He made a difference in our lives.”
Wayman Elliot, a Birmingham realtor, added “We all need heroes and Coach Scott is a hero.” Elliott lauded Scott for making his players “more than a memory. He was involved in our lives and he still is.”
Elliott also singled out Mrs. Scott, “Dot,” for praise. “She worked with him in coaching us. She was a part of everything he did. This day is for her as well,” he said.
Scott coached Haleyville High School 1949-1962. He resigned there to become the football coach at Howard College, now Samford University, where he succeeded Bobby Bowden.
In 1965 he resigned the Samford position to become president of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. He retired from that position 25 year later in 1991. He is a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
Scott is a lifelong Baptist and a deacon at First Baptist Church, Montgomery. He served eight years on the board of directors of The Alabama Baptist including two and a half years as chairman.
John Croyle, founder of Big Oak Ranch, described Scott as one who “invested himself in others.” He also praised the former players and friends of the Scotts for “doing it right” when it came to the retreat house.
The house is located atop a wooded hillside overlooking a small lake on the ranch. It has a large porch with swing and rockers, two bedrooms, two baths, a large living room and dining room area complete with a rock fireplace. Former players and friends paid for the house, all the furnishings and donated another $10,000 to Big Oak Ranch in Scott’s honor.
Croyle said the retreat house gives house parents at Big Oak Ranch for Boys a place to go when they are off for a few days once a month. The house also provides a place for guests of the ranch who visit from time to time.
Scott called the occasion “a red-letter day in my life.” Alluding to an episode in King David’s life, Scott quoted, “Who am I that you have brought me to this place?” in my life.
About 100 former players, family and friends gathered for the dedication and ribbon cutting, which was followed by a tour of the house and a celebration lunch.
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