Silas "Buddy" Beard

A small, tough and extremely fast halfback on one of Guntersville’s greatest undefeated football teams, Buddy scored 21 touchdowns and kicked six extra points for the 1933 team, which played nine games. They scored 234 points while holding the opposition to only six points, which were scored by Albertville.

Beard and teammate Finis St. John became Guntersville’s first All-State players. Both Beard and St. John went on to play Southeastern Conference football, Beard at Alabama and St. John at Ole Miss.

Buddy attended Bama from 1935-1938 and starred in football and track. In track, he was coached by “Red” Drew. He once ran the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds and was only beaten once in his career. He was a member of the Frank Thomas 1938 Alabama football team that played California in the Rose Bowl. Coach Thomas described Buddy Beard as his “gamest” player.

Buddy had many close friends at Bama including Paul Bryant, Clem Gryska, Dude Hennessey and Don Sauls. Hank Crisp and Paul Bryant were assistant coaches of the 1938 squad.