Honoring Local Sports Legends: Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame Inducts Star-Studded Class in 2024

In 2024, the Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame will induct a star-studded class that includes major legends from the area. The induction ceremony will take place at The Venue at Coosa Landing on Saturday, June 8, starting at 6 p.m. A meet and greet with the new inductees will happen beforehand to celebrate their achievements.

Leading the class is Patrick Nix, a former Etowah star and father of NFL and former Auburn quarterback Bo Nix. Nix, who currently serves as the head coach of Central-Phenix City, won the Class 7A state football title in 2023. During his time at Etowah, Nix earned All-state honors in 1990 and 1991. As a coach, he has won three state championships and played at Auburn from 1992-95.

Another headliner of the class are the Dudley brothers, who will all be inducted this year. Keith Dudley played for Gadsden High from 1986-88 and earned varsity letters in three sports. James Dudley, who played at Gadsden High from 1977-79, earned an all-state honorable mention in basketball and later helped Jacksonville State win the 1984 Division II National Championship. Anthony Dudley also played at Gadsden High and went on to play for Wimp Sanderson at Alabama, helping them reach three straight Sweet Sixteens and later playing professionally overseas. Dudley helped Gadsden win the 1983 basketball title and earned all-state honors.

The remaining inductees include Anne Renfrow, a local equestrian who won the Amateur Ladies Open World Grand Championship four times, her sister Alburta Lowe who won the Amateur Celebration in