By GRIFFIN PRITCHARD
The Wetumpka Herald

Former Elmore County High football coach and Greenville native Terry Burt was honored by his peers during a banquet held Saturday afternoon, effectively closing the 2011 Alabama Football Coaches Association conference.

“I’m quite honored,” said Burt. “I found out about two weeks ago. I think the best part about this is that it’s nominated by the coaches and voted on by the coaches.”

Burt, who was inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame in 1995, spent 30 years coaching football in Eclectic. In that time he led the Panthers to a trio of state championships (1976, 1978 and 1987). He also coached current athletic directory Grady Rowe – a fullback during the 70’s — and current coach Norman Dean.

During that stint, he was also joined by coaches Tony McGhee and Abe Brown.

“By the end of the 70s, I had the easiest job in the world because those two knew what to do. The three of us were such close friends, it made what we did a lot of fun.”

After a three-year return to the sideline — 1998-2000 — Burt retired for good with a record of 195-138-4.

Burt was a center on Greenville High School’s 1955 undefeated state championship team. – contributing, Kevin Pearcey