C.M. Newton

Newton played basketball at The University of Kentucky from 1949-1951 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp. Kentucky would win the NCAA Tournament to become National Champions during the 1950-51 season. Newton was later the head coach of the Transylvania College Basketball team from 1956-1968. His record at Transylvania University (then Transylvania College) was 169-137. Newton also recruited the schools first black player. In 1968, legendary football coach and athletic director at The University of Alabama, Paul "Bear" Bryant would hire C.M. Newton to coach the Alabama men's basketball team. This hire was made based on the recommendation from Adolph Rupp. Newton coached Alabama from 1968-1980 and complied a record of 211-123. Under Newton, Alabama became the only school other than Kentucky to win 3 consecutive SEC championships. Newton also recruited Alabama's first black player, making this the second team that he helped integrate.