MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama State University Department of Athletics celebrated and honored five former student-athletes in the Inaugural Golden Class of 1967 on Saturday at the 2017 Spring Commencement.
Former student-athletes Harry Scott, Johnny Griffin, David Thomas, Joseph Bell and Horace Crump were honored prior to Saturday's commencement as they celebrated 50 years of graduation.
Scott, a former football and baseball player, was happy to be back on the Alabama State campus and see the progress over the last 50 years in athletics.
"I am happy to be back and everyone who is here, after 50 years ought to be happy and some didn't make it back," Scott said. "I feel like when we came here, we started something that has been steady and moving forward and we intend to keep it that way. Here we are fifty years later and we are a part of what is here now."
Griffin, who played baseball and men's basketball, is a native of Montgomery but came back to see the people and the best friends he had during his time at ASU. He also shared about the amazing friends who continued to support him and has family during a recent death.
"My mother recently died and it is amazing at the number of people who came to my rescue and helped me during my troubled times," Griffin said. "It's just wonderful to be back. I feel we can do a little bit better saying something positive (in the media) about the University sometimes, because it's not all bad. I am happy to be alive and be able to come back here and see my friends."
Thomas, who was a member of the baseball team, was extremely excited about being a part of the very first Golden Class of graduation.
"I am extremely happy to be back here and be a part of this momentous occasion," Thomas said. "I always look forward to this moment of seeing my friends and former athletes."
Bell, who spent his time on the football field and in the swimming pool, is a former athletic director at Howard University.
"We came in 1963 as a class and Alabama State wasn't winning," Bell said. "Football wasn't winning so we decided to get a football scholarship and we started a winning program here. We were SIAC Champions in 1964, 1965 and 1966. I'm a Hornet Club member, 365 member and I am very supportive of the Alabama State athletic program. I am glad to see the program moving forward."
Crump, who participated in football, track and field and swimming and was a head coach at Alabama State, is a member of the 2009 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Hall of Fame after guiding the Alabama State men's and women's cross country and track and field teams for 31 years.
"I feel great to be back home with my friends and teammates," Crump said. "We are certainly looking forward to being the first class inducted in the Golden Class of 1967."
Alabama State also honored 39 student-athletes during Saturday's ceremony.
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