By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Lindsey Wilson College officials announced last week that a former All-State lineman from Escambia Academy was one of six football student-athletes selected for membership in the Hampshire Honor Society of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF).
H.T. Fountain, the son of Hugh and Susan Fountain of Atmore, was among 70 NAIA football student-athletes from across the country selected for the honor. The former Cougars offensive lineman was a first-team selection on the ASWA’s Alabama Independent School Association All-State squad in 2015.
According to the NFF, Hampshire Honor Society membership is reserved for student-athletes who are starters or significant contributors in their final year of eligibility and have a cumulative 3.2 grade point average. They must also meet all requirements of progress towards their degree.
Five of Fountain’s teammates — Lou Bunning, Clay Chasteen, Robert Cox, J.T. Lyon and Payton Veraldi — also were so honored, marking the most Lindsey Wilson football players in school history to earn the distinction in a single season and bringing to 21 the number who have earned the academic honor over the program’s history.
The Division III Blue Raiders, who played in the Mid-South Conference, reeled off 12 straight wins before dropping a 34-24 decision to Marian University in the NAIA semifinals last season.
Fountain, (6-0, 230), was the team’s long snapper, handling center duties on punts, PATs and field goals.
Lindsey Wilson, a Methodist college of 2,590 students, is located in Columbia, Kentucky.