By Kyle Parmley
BIRMINGHAM – UAB football is coming back. For one more game.
The Sons of UAB alumni flag football game is bringing together more than 120 former Blazers to Legion Field. The game will take place Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m.
Former head coach Bill Clark started the alumni game last spring after his hiring, and the tradition will continue this year despite the football program being shut down in December 2014.
Many players from the area are participating in the game. According to the tentative roster released, these former players from the area are scheduled to be on hand:
– Darrin Reaves, RB, 2011-2013, Clay-Chalkville
– Marcus Reaves, WR, 2014, Clay-Chalkville
– Brian Bozeman, DB, 1995-1997, Hewitt-Trussville
– Chris Moon, DT, 1995-1997, Hewitt-Trussville
– Trey Ragland, P, 2008-2011, Hewitt-Trussville
– Alan Spooner, LB, 1991-1993, Hewitt-Trussville
– Vince Elliott, 1989-1991, Pinson Valley
“We are excited to bring back former players to the home of UAB football from the start, and the place where we hope it will someday return,” former UAB kicker Lee Miller said in a release. “This event is all about honoring our history and celebrating what UAB football meant to us as a part of our university.”
Darrin Reaves, who now plays for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, does not plan to play this year, but will get to see his brother Marcus and father Darrin Sr. join the fun. The three men make up the only football legacy in UAB history. He thinks bringing the game to Legion Field is a great idea.
“I’m excited to go out to Legion (Field) again just to see the generations of UAB Football players come together all on one field,” Reaves said. “It’s going to be fun to see guys like my dad go out and re-live their old football days.”
The reach of the game extends beyond football, and is something that will benefit the entire Birmingham community, according to Reaves.
“It’s really something that’s good for the city to be able to do,” he said. “UAB is a big part of Birmingham, and the fact that a player from almost every team in school history is coming out this weekend kind of shows how much UAB has impacted lives.”
Gates open at 10 a.m. and admission is free. ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann and national talk-show host Rachel Baribeau will coach the two teams. All students, fans and supporters of UAB are invited to attend.
