Garry Whitfield - 1995

Garry Whitfield was born on February 10, 1955, in Holt, Alabama. He began his postsecondary education and college basketball career at Brewer State Community College in Fayette, Alabama in 1973, after an outstanding career at Holt High School in Tuscaloosa. Garry made an immediate impact at Brewer State by averaging 21.5 points per game as a freshman. But Garry really came into his own during his sophomore season by hitting 29.3 points per game, breaking the state scoring record.  

Garry totaled 1716 points in his two years at Brewer State. During the 1973 season he scored 50 points against Lomax-Hannon for a school record. Garry’s assistance in scoring, rebounding and leadership enable Brewer State to set a school record with 21 wins and finished third in the Northern Division on 1973. For his tremendous season, Garry was named the Division’s Most Valuable Player. 

In 1974, Garry’s abilities were highlighted during Brewer State’s initial appearance in the State Tournament. He hit 17 of 19 free throw in one game and 34 for the tournament, both tournament records.  He was honored by being named to the All Region Team in 1974-75. 

Among the many honors Garry received while playing at Brewer State Junior College are: All State (two years), Most Valuable Player, Most Outstanding Athlete, and All Tournament Team. 

After graduating from Brewer State with an A.S. degree in 1975, Garry signed with Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, to continue his basketball career. He moved right into a starting position and was named Xavier’s Most Valuable Player after the 1975-76 season. Garry’s efforts also earned him the ultimate honor for a college athlete- being selected for the All American Team in 1975-76.  

Garry received a B.S. degree from Xavier University in Sociology in 1977. He subsequently came back to Alabama and enrolled in graduate school at the University of Alabama. For the past fifteen years, he has been employed by Jim Walter Resources, Inc. in Brookwood, Alabama. 

Garry is a true All American in every sense of the word, as is evidenced by the esteem in which he is held by his high school alma mater, Holt High School. Since 1993, the Outstanding Basketball Player each year at Holt High School receives the Garry Whitfield Basketball Award. In addition, Garry has taken a leadership role in working with youths throughout the state. He has assisted with the Mike Davis Basketball Camp, the Wimp Sanderson Basketball Camp, and the Magic City Basketball Camp. He has also served as coach of the Holt High School junior high basketball team on a volunteer basis and is a member of the P.T.A and the St. John A.M.E. Church. 

Garry is married and has two children, Victoria and Kerry. He met his wife, Vickie, while attending Brewer State Junior College.