From Football Stars to Equestrian Champions: The Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame Inducts 2024 Class

The Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 2024 class, which includes major legends from the area. This year’s inductees include Patrick Nix, Keith and James Dudley, Anne Renfrow and Alburta Lowe, and Steve Copeland.

Patrick Nix, a former Etowah star and father of NFL and former Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, will be inducted as the headliner of the class. During his time at Etowah, Nix earned All-state honors in 1990 and 1991. As a coach, he has won three state championships and played at Auburn from 1992-95.

The Dudley brothers will also be inducted this year. Keith Dudley played for Gadsden High from 1986-88 and earned varsity letters in three sports. James Dudley, who played at Gadsden High from 1977-79, earned an all-state honorable mention in basketball and later helped Jacksonville State win the 1984 Division II National Championship. Anthony Dudley also played at Gadsden High and went on to play for Wimp Sanderson at Alabama, helping them reach three straight Sweet Sixteens and later playing professionally overseas. Dudley helped Gadsden win the 1983 basketball title and earned all-state honors.

Anne Renfrow is a local equestrian who won the Amateur Ladies Open World Grand Championship four times, while her sister Alburta Lowe won the Amateur Celebration in 1968 and 1969. Steve Copeland is also being inducted for his impressive career at Gadsden High before playing for Georgia Tech, where he earned All-SEC honors in 1965.