The University of Alabama athletics community mourned the loss of longtime Tuscaloosa News columnist Cecil Hurt.
Hurt, who passed away Tuesday at 62, had covered the Crimson Tide since 1982. He became an icon in press boxes and kitchen tables across the state and region.
Alabama football coach Nick Saban, athletics director Greg Byrne and basketball coach Nate Oates released statements Tuesday evening.
Hurt was always the media guest on the season-opening edition of Saban’s weekly radio show and the mutual respect was unmistakable.
“Cecil Hurt was a good friend and one of the best sports writers I have ever had the privilege of working with, not just at Alabama, but at all of our coaching stops,” Saban said. “He was a man of integrity and a fair-minded journalist blessed with wit, wisdom and an ability to paint a picture with his words that few have possessed. Cecil was loved throughout this community and state as an old-school journalist who covered the Alabama beat with class and professionalism.
“He was a role model for young writers and the most trusted source of news for Alabama fans everywhere. He leaves a wonderful legacy as one of sports journalism’s best. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as well as Alabama fans everywhere who loved Cecil as much as we did.”
Byrne, Alabama’s AD since 2017, also released a statement remembering Hurt.
“As good a sportswriter as Cecil was, he was an even better person,” Byrne said. “So many of us considered him a dear friend, and we will certainly miss him. He had an incredible way with words, coupling his knowledge and wit in a way only Cecil could do. While he spent decades covering Alabama, Cecil was admired and loved not only in the Tuscaloosa community and state but also across the nation. Writers both young and old respected and looked up to Cecil for his work, professionalism and ability to build relationships. He was one of a kind. We will continue to keep his family, friends and all those who cared for Cecil in our prayers.”
Other former Alabama football players remembered Hurt on social media.
Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.
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