In tribute to Jim Hilyer, the first football head coach in program history, the UAB football team will wear a JH helmet sticker during the entirety of the 2022 season.
Dr. Jim Hilyer was instrumental in starting the UAB football program during its club years in 1989-90 and led the Blazers through their first years of NCAA football from 1991-94. Hilyer and the Blazers played at the Division III level in 1991 and 1992 before moving for Division I-AA in 1993. Hilyer coached the Blazers to an overall record of 28-12-1, good for a winning percentage of .695, the highest in school history.
A member UAB Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2020, Coach Jim Hilyer passed away in January at the age of 86.
In addition to a moment of silence for Coach Hilyer during the home opener, all former UAB Football players are invited to lead the 2022 UAB Football team through Blazer Walk against Alabama A&M on Sept. 1. All football alumni wishing to participate in the Blazer Walk should meet at Eugene’s Hot Chicken by 4:30 p.m.
Two of Coach Hilyer’s players, Pat Green and Walt Maddox, will also serve as honorary captains for the game next Thursday.
A special 2022 season ticket discount exclusive to former UAB Football players is available for $60 by contacting Tony Villanacci at (205) 934-8717 or arvillan@uab.edu before Tuesday, August 30th.
The Blazers open the 2022 season on Thursday, Sept. 1 against Alabama A&M at Protective Stadium. Tickets are available by clicking here.
Original source can be found here.
