A distinguished member of Alabama football is now retiring after 47 years of service.
Finus Gaston has witnessed the success and growth of the Crimson Tide from Paul W. “Bear” Bryant to Nick Saban.
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As a Tuscaloosa native, Tide football was in his blood from birth. His father, Finus C. Gaston, was a sports information director from 1952-61 and his mother (Jewell Gaston) was an employee in the Tide Pride and Ticketing Office. After graduating from Tuscaloosa High School in 1969, Gaston enrolled at the University of Alabama.
He was the head football manager for Coach Bryant from 1971 to 1973. Gaston saw the Tide win a national championship in 1973 while earning multiple degrees.
Before he joined the Alabama Athletics Department in 1996, Gaston served the University for 22 years as an Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary and Support Services.
He was responsible for numerous tasks as the Senior Deputy Director/Chief Financial Officer, including management of ticketing and Tide Pride, the athletics business office, football administrative oversight, event management, flight operations, information technology, human resources, and contract negotiations.
Gaston also served as interim athletics director in 1999. Whether it was being around his father or learning the game himself, the man behind the scenes has seen many championships.
Gaston watched Saban obtain six national titles, but hoisting the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship trophy was the finest moment. The dominant head coach does not cry often; however, Gaston saw the emotions of Saban. He has seen Alabama from all angles, and the program is going to miss him.
Jeff Allen and Jeremy Gsell both shared statements of appreciation to Gaston on Twitter.
Our athletic trainers heard some wonderful words of wisdom from Finus Gaston who is retiring after 47 years at Alabama! From Coach Bryant to Coach Saban, he has seen it all and he is a true Alabama legend, although he would never admit it! True class and humility! Thank you sir! pic.twitter.com/hdRy0VxNKz
— Jeff Allen (@makennahsdad) June 25, 2021
Thank you Finus! It won’t be the same around here without you! https://t.co/nyhzRn3XRe
— Jeremy Gsell (@gsell_jeremy) June 25, 2021
He has been great for the coaches, players, support staff, and the school. Gaston is a legend.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
