FOOTBALL

How the SEC honored late columnist Cecil Hurt at SEC Championship Game

Nick Kelly
The Tuscaloosa News

The SEC took time to honor late Tuscaloosa News columnist Cecil Hurt at the SEC Championship Game on Saturday. 

Hurt died on Nov. 23 from complications from pneumonia. 

The SEC reserved a spot for Hurt in the Mercedes-Benz press box. A credential and a name card were placed at his seat. A photo of him was also displayed on the television at the entrance to the press box. 

A copy of "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" by Susanna Clark was also set out for him at his seat. Hurt had a book in hand almost everywhere he went, including press boxes. He would often read during timeouts and commercial breaks. Hurt carried Clark's book around for most of one football season.

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Hurt worked for The Tuscaloosa News since 1982 as a sportswriter before he became a columnist and sports editor. He covered Alabama athletics for nearly four decades. 

A week ago, Auburn athletics also honored Hurt at the Iron Bowl with a spot reserved for him in the press box and a memorial.