On March 19, the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl, based in Montgomery, announced that Troy University graduate Clay Norrell has been named the new Executive Director for the bowl, as well as the FCS Classic and Red Tails Classic. 

Norrell is assuming the position that was previously held for many years by former Troy University Athletic Director Johnny Williams, who passed away in February. Norrell has spent the last six years as the Assistant Executive Director, working under Williams.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be appointed as the Executive Director of the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl, FCS Kickoff and Red Tails Classic,” Norrell said. “I look forward to stepping into this new role and carrying forward the enduring legacy that Johnny Williams entrusted to us.”

The Salute to Veterans Bowl, previously known as the Camellia Bowl, has been played annually at Montgomery’s 25,000-seat Cramton Bowl between members of the Sun Belt Conference and MAC Conference since 2014. The bowl game was the brainchild of Williams, who founded the bowl after his many years serving at Troy University and the University of Alabama. 

The FCS Kickoff is also an annual week zero game between two FCS programs at the Cramton Bowl, while the Red Tails Classic is an annual football game between historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), named in honor of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. 

Norrell’s experience includes managing more than 20 different football games as the Assistant Executive Director, with him working closely with community partners and sponsors along with overseeing game operations and game volunteers. He also served in the same capacity with the Myrtle Beach Bowl perviously. In addition to his work with the Salute to Veterans Bowl, Norrell serves on the Board of Directors for the Auburn University at Montgomery Department of Kinesiology Advisory Board and the YMCA of Montgomery County Boys Work Committee. Norrell is a native of Northport, where he played high school football for Tuscaloosa County High School before moving on to attend Troy University.