By By Adam Prestridge
A surprise visitor attended Saturday’s AISA Junior Varsity state track meet at Escambia Academy.
Auburn University head coach Tommy Tuberville was spotted sitting quietly among parents and fans in his orange Callaway Golf hat and orange-tinted shades. He was in Canoe rooting on his son, Tucker, who was competing in several events for Lee-Scott Academy out of Auburn.
During his visit, Tuberville took timeout to speak with several members of the Cougars’ track team. He spoke to them briefly about the importance of maintaining good grades in the classroom and work ethic in their respective sports.
Gibson thought that Tuberville’s willingness to speak to the children not only says a lot about him as a football coach, but as a person.
Although those on hand were excited to see Tuberville, they did not invade his space.
“It just shows a lot of respect for him,” Gibson said. “It could have very easily been a mobbing. The kids and parents just treated him like he was an everyday person here. It was very nice.”
Gibson did have the opportunity speak with the ole’ ball coach briefly and snap a photo with him.
As for the 173-mile trip to Canoe, it wasn’t a wasted one for Tuberville. His son won the state title in the 800-meter run, the 1600-meter run and the long jump.
At the close of day, Tuberville and his family loaded up in the family SUV and made the more than two-hour trek back to the Plains.