Stan Cook - 1990

Stan Cook was born February 27, 1939, in Montgomery, Alabama to R.G. and Margaret Cook.  Education began in Union Springs, AL where he completed first through third grades.  In 1949, his family returned to Montgomery where Stan attended Forrest Avenue School, fourth grade and continued his fifth through seventh grades at the Williams School. 

In 1952, his family returned to Union Spring where he completed high school.  While in high school, Stan participated in all sports.  He was named to the All-State football team in both his junior and senior years.  In basketball and baseball, he was named All-District three consecutive years.  In track, he placed third in the state meet in the 440 his senior year. His college education began at the University of Alabama in 1957.  He received his B.S. degree in 1962 and the Master of Arts degree in 1963.  While attending the University, he participated on the freshman basketball team and the varsity baseball team. 

Upon graduation, Stan was employed by former Congressman George Andrews in Washington, D.C. shortly afterward; he was hired as Director of Intramural Sports at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.  He remained at the Citadel until the fall of 1966. 

In 1966, he came to Alexander City State Junior College in Alexander City, Alabama as men’s basketball coach and physical education instructor.  1966 was the second year of operation for the Alabama Junior College System, and his job was to build a basketball program at Alexander City.  Coach Cook’s tenure there lasted 11 years and the basketball program gained state and national honors. 

In 1977, Coach Cook was hired at Gadsden State Junior College to “rebuild” the men’s basketball program. A partial list of accomplishments follows: 1966 – Started basketball program at Alexander City State Junior College.  1969 - Final Four of Alabama Junior College Tournament.  1970 – Southern Division “Coach of the Year”. 1972 – Finished third within Alabama Junior College Conference Tournament.  1973 – Alabama State Junior College Champion, earned berth in NJCAA Regional; Birmingham Southern Tip-off Club “Coach of the Year”. 

1974 – Alabama State Junior College Champion and Region XVII Champion; Participated in National Junior College Tournament, Hutchison, Kansas; Central Division “Coach of the Year”; Regional “Coach of the Year”, Birmingham Southern Tip-off Club “Coach of the Year”.  1976 – Runners-up, Alabama Junior College Conference.  1978 – Hired to rebuild the men’s basketball program at Gadsden Sate Junior College; Final Four of Alabama Junior College Conference; Sports Page “Coach of the Year”. 

1979 -  Runners-Up Alabama Junior College Conference; Number One in the Northern Division, Alabama Junior College Conference; “Coach of the Year”; Overall record 27-4.  1980 – Final four of Alabama Junior College Conference; Number One in Northern Division, Alabama Junior College Conference; Northern Division “Coach of the Year”; Overall record 24-5. 1981 – Runners-Up in Alabama Junior College Conference.  1982 – Final four of Alabama Junior College Conference. 1985 – Number One in the Northern Division, Alabama Junior College Conference; Final four of Alabama Junior College Conference; Northern Division “Coach of the Year”. 

1988 – Runners-Up, Alabama Junior College Conference; Number One in the Northern Division, Alabama Junior College Conference; Northern Division “Coach of the Year”; Overall record 25-4.  1989 – Number One in the Northern Division, Alabama Community College Conference; Final four of Alabama Junior College Conference; Northern Division “Coach of the Year”. Compiled 443-215 won-loss record against SEC freshman teams and the top junior college programs in the nation.  Teams have won two Alabama State Championships, one Regional Championship, and have been runners-up five times. 

Stan Cook is currently men’s basketball coach and physical education instructor at Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, Alabama.  He resides there with his wife, Miki.  He has three children, Richie, Angie, and Sherri.