Greg Byrne, Nate Oats pay tribute to long-time beat writer Cecil Hurt

Cecil Hurt, who covered Alabama Athletics for the Tuscaloosa News since 1982, passed away Tuesday at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama from complications from pneumonia. Hurt served as the local newspaper’s sports editor and columnist and was a regular guest on local, regional and national sports programs.

He played a major role in the Tuscaloosa News’ 2011 Pulitzer Prize win, providing unique coverage of the tornado which ravaged the city and claimed the lives of several residents. In addition, Hurt received the 2019 Mel Allen Media Award from the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and was a two-time National Sports Media Association’s Alabama Sportswriter of the Year.

Following the news, several key members from Alabama Athletics, including athletic director Greg Byrne and men’s basketball coach Nate Oats, paid tribute to their colleague and friend.

Greg Byrne on Cecil Hurt

Athletic director Greg Byrne released the following statement via press release on Tuesday night.

“As good a sportswriter as Cecil was, he was an even better person. 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.”

Nate Oats on Cecil Hurt

Men’s basketball coach Nate Oats, who arrived in Tuscaloosa during the spring of 2019, worked around Cecil Hurt for two years and offered kind words throughout his battle with pneumonia. He released the following statement on social media.

“I’m crushed about the loss of Cecil Hurt. It’s hard to accept, to be honest. He was someone who has been an integral part of Alabama Athletics for more than 30 years and adored by thousands. As a journalist, his reputation preceded him. He carried himself with a great deal of integrity and always handled things the right way. Whether you agreed with him or not, Cecil was always going to shoot it straight. I always had a great deal of respect for him. I will miss our conversations, our discussions on basketball and most importantly our friendship. This is truly a sad day in the history on Alabama Athletics.”