W.O. Woolley

Class of 1990

W.O. Woolley: A Legacy of Excellence in Coaching

W.O. Woolley’s career as a coach in Gurley, Alabama, is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and ability to get the best out of his players, both on the football field and the basketball court. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990, Woolley is remembered for his exceptional coaching career, which spanned over several decades and produced remarkable results in both football and basketball.

For seven years, Woolley coached the teams at Gurley, where his football squad went head-to-head with Scottsboro in a fierce rivalry that lasted from 1942 to 1949. His team recorded three victories, three losses, and one tie against Scottsboro—a testament to his ability to prepare competitive teams. Woolley’s basketball achievements were even more impressive. During his tenure, he led his team to 138 wins and only 55 losses, winning four county championships in the process. His record demonstrated his tactical prowess and ability to motivate his athletes to succeed at the highest level.

One of Woolley’s most exciting moments came while coaching Gaston in 1933. Despite having only 13 players on his football team, Woolley’s squad pulled off an incredible victory over Sansom, which had 44 players, winning the game 15-13. This victory epitomized Woolley’s resourcefulness and determination to achieve success, regardless of the odds.

Beyond his coaching achievements, Woolley served as president of the district athletic board for eight years and was a member for 16 years. He also served on the state board for five years, contributing significantly to the development of athletics at the local and state levels.

W.O. Woolley’s legacy as a coach and leader is firmly etched in the history of Gurley’s athletic programs, and his influence continues to inspire future generations of coaches and athletes.

This content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, based on original stories written the year of the honoree's induction by Board members and other contributors. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. Please contact the Hall of Fame with corrections.