Nearly 250 people gathered in the Andalusia High School volleyball gym on Saturday night to for the Andalusia High School Quarterback Club’s 7th annual Andalusia High School Bulldog Football Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony.

The 2016 Hall of Fame inductees were Grady Smith, Steve Posey, Lynn Shreve, coach Gwin Burkett and the 1973 Andalusia High School Bulldogs.

“This ceremony is about honoring the sacrifices and accomplishments that these men had not only in high school, but also college and beyond,” Master of ceremonies Ben Bowden said in his opening remarks to the crowd. “It’s about carrying on the legacy of Andalusia football, and inspiring others to leave their own legacy.”

Grady Smith (1986-1989) was the first 2016 inductee that was introduced and he talked about how much he enjoyed Andalusia.

“On the way over here today, I looked over at my wife and smiled as we where entering Covington County,” Smith said. “I wasn’t really thinking about it I just did it. She said, “You always smile when we get near this point, why is that?’ I thought about it, and I’ve seen a lot things and been a lot places, but nothing makes me feel like home does.”

Smith spoke about his playing career being cut short due to an injury, and the importance of getting his education.

“I’m so thankful for my education and for all the people that prepared me for moments in life like my injury,” Smith said.

Steve Posey (1979-1980) was the next player that was introduced into the Hall of Fame.

“I just want to thank all the people who made this possible,” Posey said, “I remember my freshman year at Auburn, I would go to Lex Short’s trailer and we would talk. I’m very thankful for those days. It’s such an honor to be going in the Hall of Fame with these guys.”

The next inductee was Lynn Shreve (1973-1975), and Shreve spoke about all the great memories he had at Andalusia.

“It’s ironic that I’m going in the same year as the 1973 team because that is the team I started with,” Shreve said. “This is truly a humbling honor. I’m certainly very thankful to every one that made this possible.”

Coach Gwin Burkett (1973-1984) followed as the next 2016 inductee, and talked about his career as assistant and head coach for the Andalusia Bulldogs.

“I’m so thankful that Coach Sharpe brought me in as assistant coach in 1973,” Burkett said. “We had some great years at Andalusia in those days. It was truly a rewarding experience and this is such a great honor.”

The 1973 Bulldog football players, coaches and cheerleaders were the final inductees of the night. Mark Wiggins gave a speech written by players Andrew Carroll and Lucky Cope.

“We took the field on Friday evenings with a spirit of oneness and confidence,” Wiggins said. “It’s was not in our realm of thinking that we could lose. We had a mindset of determination and resolve. We were the mighty Bulldogs. Tonight, 43 years later, we stand before you as humbled men. Humbled to be recognized for our achievements, humbled that the Hall of Fame committee considers us as one the best teams in Andalusia High School history. Our team was built on a foundation of hard work and unity. Our teammates were our brothers. We were not a one-dimensional team, our offense could light up the scoreboard and our defense could shut down the competition.”

Wiggins spoke more about the team, coaches, administration, cheerleaders, band, parents, fans and the town.

Andalusia City School Superintendent Ted Watson thanked the crowd for coming and congratulated the 2016 Hall of Fame inductees.

The night ended with Sue Bass Wilson leading the crowd in the Andalusia High School alma mater.

This was the seventh edition of the Bulldog Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fame committee members are Tim Nall, Ab Powell, John Jones, Joe Nix, Larry Brown, Will Sconiers, Jackie Woods, Lex Short, Lucky Cope, Robert Cremer, David Moore, Trent Taylor, Dr. Daniel Shakespeare, Kyle Gantt and Jimmy Wilson.