University of Alabama athletic director Mal Moore was the guest speaker at the Covington County chapter of the Alabama Alumni Association’s annual scholarship awards reception Monday night at PowerSouth.

The chapter presented scholarships to Clara Bass (Andalusia High School), Ethan Henley (Pleasant Home School), Paul Umbarger (Opp High School) and Sam Bush (Lurleen B. Wallace Community College transfer).

Bass received the Susan M. Kirkland Memorial scholarship, Henley received the F. Murland Smith Memorial scholarship, Umbarger received the Vernon St. John Memorial scholarship and Bush received the James Janelle Kelsoe scholarship.

The chapter also announced the establishment of the Kathy Nall Memorial scholarship by the Nall family. For more information, call 222-3161 and ask to speak to John or Amy Jones.

Moore talked about the new facilities — both academic and athletic — on the school’s campus, notably the new tennis facility, the golf facility and the renovations to Coleman Coliseum. The golf team will be ranked No. 3 in the nation next year.

“The facilities make a difference in a lot of this,” Moore said. “It’s unbelievable what is at (the athletes’) fingertips.”

In addition, Moore talked about the newly hired basketball coach, Anthony Grant.

“We looked at five different coaches,” he said. “What I liked about Anthony was that he came and saw an opportunity and didn’t wait around.

“We are very fortunate to have a great name and great athletics,” he said. “A lot of positive things are happening with our sports and our coaches.”