"The Alabama Crimson Tide boasts 18 college football national championships. And one man has been there for a dozen of them Eddie Conyers. He's spent more than 60 years as a referee at practices, working under such legendary coaches as Bear Bryant and Nick Saban. Now 97, Conyers is still roaming the sidelines to make sure practice officials are up to the task, and quick with a joke along the way."
"games at the time. He left his day job at a local hardware store a few hours early, ducked into a service station restroom to change into zebra stripes, and reported for duty, asking Bryant what he was supposed to do. "Coach Bryant talked low and he mumbled," Conyers says. "I didn't have a clue what he said. And I just said 'ok'.""
The University of Alabama's football practice field sits hidden behind a shrouded security fence on the edge of campus. The Alabama Crimson Tide claims 18 national championships and Eddie Conyers has been part of a dozen of those. Conyers has spent more than 60 years officiating practices under coaches including Bear Bryant and Nick Saban. At 97, Conyers continues to oversee practice officials, schedule them, mentor from the sidelines, and keep spirits light with jokes. Conyers pioneered the role after recruitment by Bryant in 1962, following Bryant's belief in fixing penalties during practice to reduce game infractions. He still moves around using a golf cart and a walker.
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