About Inductee

Bo Emerson was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1957, and moved to Huntsville where he attended Grissom High School and enjoyed an outstanding prep career in football, basketball and baseball. Bo was a standout quarterback, defensive back and punter and led the 1973 Grissom Tigers to the City Championship, the TVC Championship and the State Football Finals. In that year, Bo was named Co-MVP of the City as well as All TVC. As a Senior, he led the Tigers to another winning season and was named All City, All TVC and Honorable Mention All-State. Coach Larrie Robinson said, Bo is an outstanding leader and competitor and is the type of player that improves each week and is outstanding because of his game-breaking ability. Coach Childress claimed, If there is a better athlete in the city, I would like to see who he is. In basketball, Bo was a starting guard and helped Grissom to the City Championship in 1974. He was an outstanding pitcher and outfielder on the baseball team and he was twice named to the All-City Team and participated in the East/West Shrine Game played in Birmingham, both as a Junior and Senior. Following graduation from Grissom, Bo signed a scholarship to play football for Jacksonville State University. In 1977, he led the Gulf Coast Conference in interceptions and was part of the stingy Red Bandit defense that led the Gamecocks to the National Championship Game. The Gamecocks won the Gulf Coast Conference Championship in 1977and 1978, and went to the playoffs both years. Bo says, Without a doubt, my parents, Jay and Faye Emerson, had the greatest impact on my life and my athletic accomplishments. They loved and encouraged me, and led me to believe that I could do anything that I set my mind to. They were both such positive people and always encouraged me whether I played well or badly. Bo was lucky to have played for a host of great coaches, including Larrie Robinson, John Childress, Clarkie Mayfield, Jim Fuller, Bobby Markham and Joe Kines. Bo says, these coaches showed great confidence in me and helped me understand that to be great it takes great character, work ethic and desire. Bo and his wife, Rhonda, have 3 daughters and a son. He is being inducted tonight with his long-time friend and former college roommate, Rolo Weaver.