Sports Hall of Fame establishes scholarship

Published 9:10 pm Friday, December 11, 2009

The family of David Beverly Jr. has contributed $1,000 to the Marengo County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund. The contribution was made in honor of David Edward Beverly Sr., who passed away before he had the opportunity to witness the athletic exploits of his son, who was among the inaugural Hall of Fame class inducted on Feb. 9, 2009.

Beverly Jr. played at Sweet Water High School as quarterback and punter. He earned three letters at Auburn University and was named to the 1971 All-Southeastern Conference Team. His net punt yardage averages are still records at Auburn.

After earning his degree, he played for one year for the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans) in 1974, then went to the Green Bay Packers (1975-80), where he was the starting punter for his tenure there. He still holds the all-time Packer records for career punts (495) and single-season punts (106), with three games in which he punted 10 times, second on the Green Bay list. When he retired, he held the record for fewest career punts blocked (274).

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After the 2009 induction dinner, Beverly suggested that the Hall of Fame consider an annual scholarship to a worthy student-athlete from a school within Marengo County. At its last meeting, the Hall of Fame board adopted that suggestion.

There is a scholarship fund set up at Robertson Banking Company. Those wanting to make a donation may make it at the bank or send a check to Hall of Fame board member Tom Boggs, P.O. Box 784, Demopolis, AL 36732, or Hall of Fame board member Dr. Tony Speegle, 1012 Jacob Dr., Demopolis, AL 36732. The Marengo County Sports Hall of Fame is a tax-exempt organization, and contributions can be deducted on income taxes.

The 2010 scholarship winner will be announced at the upcoming Hall of Fame induction dinner on Feb. 8, 2010.