Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame Inducts Patrick Nix, Dudley Brothers, and More: Celebrating Remarkable Athletes from the Area

The Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 2024 class, which includes major legends from the area. During a banquet at the Venue at Coosa Landing on Saturday, June 8, starting at 6 p.m., these inductees will be celebrated for their achievements and contributions to sports in the county. A meet and greet will take place beforehand to honor the new members.

Leading this year’s class is Patrick Nix, a former Etowah star and father of NFL and former Auburn quarterback Bo Nix. Nix, who currently serves as the head coach of Central-Phenix City, won the Class 7A state football title in 2023. While playing for Etowah, he 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 are also being inducted this year, with Keith Dudley earning varsity letters in three sports while playing for Gadsden High from 1986-88. James Dudley played basketball for Gadsden High from 1977-79 and earned an all-state honorable mention in basketball later helping Jacksonville State win the Division II National Championship in 1984. Anthony Dudley also played basketball for Gadsden High and went on to play for Wimp Sanderson at Alabama, where they reached three straight Sweet Sixteens and later played professionally overseas. Dudley helped Gadsden win the Amateur Celebration title in basketball in both 1968 and 1969 while earning all-state honors during that time period as well.

Anne Renfrow is another member of this year’s class, she is a local equestrian who won four consecutive Amateur Ladies Open World Grand Championships.

Her sister Alburta Lowe is also being inducted into the Hall of Fame for her impressive career as an equestrian.

Steve Copeland is being inducted for his outstanding career at Gadsden High School before moving on to play college football at Georgia Tech where he earned All-SEC honors in 1965.

Overall this year’s class represents some of the best athletes to come out of Etowah County over the years and we are excited to celebrate their accomplishments!