TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- Bill Battle, who was a former Alabama football player and athletic director died Thursday at the age of 82.
Battle attended Alabama on a football scholarship and was a three-year starter under Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1960-62. He was apart of Bryant's first national championship team in 1961 and was named to UA's All-Decade Team for the 1960s. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology and minor and psychology from UA in 1963 and a master's degree in education from The University of Oklahoma in 1964.
Battle returned to the Capstone in 2013 where he was the director of athletics for four years. During his tenure, Bama produced three NCAA team national championships, 10 SEC team championships in five different sports,15 NCAA individual champions, 43 Academic All-Americans, including six Academic All-Americans of the Year and 16 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship awardees.
Following his tenure as AD, Battle continued on at UA as special assistant to The University of Alabama president where he assisted Dr. Stuart R. Bell in a variety of initiatives benefitting the University and the Department of Athletics.
Bill Battle’s legacy at The University of Alabama is profound and enduring. His generosity and visionary leadership elevated our institution and enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues. His dedication to excellence and steadfast devotion to UA will inspire generations to come. We are forever grateful for his friendship and his lasting impact on our community.
Stuart R. Bell, UA President
It’s difficult to put into words just how much Coach Battle means to The University of Alabama and college athletics, as a whole. He excelled in so many areas and was a true visionary. Beyond his accomplishments, he was an incredible man, and I am forever grateful for the friendship we built over the years. We will miss him tremendously and are praying for Mary, Pat, Mike, Shannon, Kayla and the entire Battle family.
Greg Byrn, Alabama Director of Athletics