By By Adam Prestridge
Atmore Rotary Club members will be in for a treat Tuesday.
University of South Alabama head football coach Joey Jones and CFO Wayne Davis will be on hand to speak to the civic organization during its weekly luncheon meeting at Atmore Community Hospital.
Rotary president Cindy Lee said Davis and his brother, Bobby, came up with the program idea to help publicize the college’s new football program.
Wayne Davis, who holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business statistics from the University of Alabama, has been on the staff at USA since 1966 when he served as treasurer and controller. In 1971, he was named associate controller before being named controller in 1978. In 1989, he was named chief financial officer for the college.
Jones, a Mobile native, was named head coach of the newly developed program in February after spending two years restarting Birmingham-Southern College’s football program. A graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, the 45-year-old coach played for the Crimson Tide under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. During his four seasons in Tuscaloosa, the Tide compiled a record of 35-12-1, including two Cotton Bowl appearances. He finished his career with 71 receptions, 1,386 yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking third on the career touchdown receptions chart and seventh in career receiving yards.
Jones earned All-SEC honors as a senior after hauling in 31 passes for 468 yards and five touchdowns. He was later selected to Alabama’s All-Decade Team for the 1980s. He played professionally with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
Lee said she is excited to have two speakers of Davis and Jones’ caliber.
Jones has found success coaching throughout his career. Before moving to the college ranks, he compiled a record of 125-38 (.767) in 13 years at high school level. In 10 years at Mountain Brook High School, he compiled a 101-27 record from 1996-2005 including a visit to the 1996 Class 6A state championship game, four region titles, two semifinal appearances and three quarterfinal appearances.
Jones began his coaching career at Dora High School, where he amassed a 24-11 record from 1991-93. He began his coaching career serving on the Briarwood Christian staff from 1989-90.
At Birmingham-Southern last season, Jones led a squad of 126 freshmen to a 3-7 record, including a pair of wins over established junior college programs.
The Rotary Club’s motto is “Service Above Self.” The civic organization sponsors two community projects annually including the Academic All Star Program and the Fiddlers Convention, which provide the club with the opportunity to serve its community. Each week, a different Rotarian is responsible to provide a program to the club that allows members to be informed of what is going on locally, statewide and nationally.
Lee went on to add that she has always been impressed by the commitment Rotary Club members have made to the civic organization.
Lee said USA athletic director Joe Gottfried may also attend the event, which is open to Rotary Club members and invited guests.