George H. Hobson

George H. "Hoss" Hobson (May 4, 1908 – November 19, 2001) was an American athlete and sports coach. After playing college football for Alabama State, Hobson began a coaching career at several high schools, leading his teams to four state championships. In c. 1941, he began his tenure at Alabama A&M University, for which he was best known. He served as head football coach from 1942 to 1959, and was also the athletic director for many years. In the latter position, he revived the school's baseball team and added the sports of basketball, tennis, and golf, serving as the head coach of each for a time. Hobson later served as commissioner of the SIAC and was inducted into both the NACDA and Alabama A&M Halls of Fame. Early life and education Hobson was born on May 4, 1908. He attended high school in Greensboro, Alabama, and was captain of his school's football and baseball teams. He played college football for Alabama State as a fullback, and was team captain in 1932. That year, he was named on multiple all-state teams and was given All-America honors by several selectors as an honorable mention.

Coaching career After graduating from Alabama State, Hobson began a coaching career, and served his first few years at several high schools In 1937, he was named coach and science teacher at Decatur Negro High School. He was a key figure in organizing the Alabama and Southwest Georgia Athletic Conference, serving as its president for a time. It was his tenure at Alabama A&M which Hobson was best known for, going on to serve over three decades with the school including stints as athletic director and head of the physical education department. He coached football from 1942 to 1959, compiling a record of 43–83–10, before being succeeded by Louis Crews. After becoming athletic director in 1960, Hobson took Alabama A&M from having just football, to having five sports, after reviving baseball, and adding tennis, golf, and basketball. He was also inducted into the Alabama A&M Athletic Hall of Fame as a charter member in 1992, which he helped create. The Hobson Fieldhouse at Alabama A&M was named in his honor and the SIAC also named their offensive back of the year award after him. He died on November 19, 2001, at the age of 93.