University of North Alabama Athletics

Merle West was a three-year football letterman for the Lions from 1952-54. He was voted the team’s most valuable lineman in 1954. During his three years with the Lions, the team’s had records of 8-1, 6-1-1 and 8-2 for a combined 22-4-1 record. The Lions were 10-0 against schools from the state of Alabama.

A native of Haleyville, Ala. , he coached football, basketball, baseball, golf, wrestling , and track for 40 years at Handley High School, Athens High School, Cullman High School, Butler High School, Coffee High School, Loretta High School, and Baimbridge High school. He won a state championship at Handley High School in football and a golf state championship at Coffee High School. He officiated basketball for 38 years and wrestling for 12 years.

He is a member of Winston County Sports Hall of Fame and the Lauderdale County Hall of Fame. He also served in the Alabama National Guard and the Navy Air Reserve.

He is deceased.