By Scott Buttram
Publisher
Legendary University of Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant was born on Sept. 11, 1913 in Moro Bottom, Arkansas to humble beginnings. The eleventh of twelve children, Bryant would find his fame in the world of college football where he helped the Crimson Tide to the 1934 National Championship as a player and later returned as head coach.
It is that return to his alma mater that is the focus of the documentary “Mama Called” which will debut at 7 p.m. Wednesday night on WVUA (Charter channel 6/706) to celebrate his 100th birthday. The program will air again at 8:30 p.m.
According to the WVUA website, “Mama Called” is a new documentary produced by the museum in association with the UA Center for Public Television and Radio to be part of the centennial. Gene Stallings, Bobby Bowden, Nick Saban, Bill Battle, Ken Stabler, Bob Baumhower and many more were interviewed to give a glimpse into the coach and the man.
Bryant’s tenure as head coach at Alabama included six National Championships and 13 Southeastern Conference championships in 25 years of roaming the sidelines. He compiled a career record of 323-85-17.
Several of Coach Bryant’s former players reside in the local area including former Trussville city councilman Buddy Aydelette, Bobby Johns, Paul Ott Carruth, Jay Grogan, and Ken Coley.
We want to hear your stories. What is your favorite recollection of the coach? Did you meet Coach Bryant? Share your memories of Coach Bryant in the comment section below.
