Ken Gunter, Cullman — 2016 Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame inductee

Saturday can’t get here fast enough for Ken Gunter.

Even if he feels undeserving of the recognition he’ll receive upon gracing the stage.

Gunter and 11 others will officially be inducted into the 17th class of the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame during a honorary banquet inside the Civic Center this weekend.

When news first broke of his “unexpected” selection, Gunter was blown away.

“I was a bit surprised and real humble,” he said. “Especially when there’s a lot of other people who are more qualified than I am. But it is really a great honor.”

Gunter attended Haleyville, where he graduated in 1955 after accomplishing plenty in the world of athletics. He was a two-time All-State football selection at quarterback and placed second in the 100-yard dash at the state track meet his senior season.

Although football and track were “my things,” Gunter participated in several other sports.

“Back in those days, you played everything,” he said with a laugh. “There weren’t very many people at Haleyville, so you had to do a lot.”

He transitioned from his role as signal-caller to running back after high school. He made All-Conference at Itambra Junior College before finishing up at Florence State.

Then came his foray into the coaching industry.

First stop? Cullman.

Gunter served as a defensive assistant under legendary coach Oliver Woodard for several years, including the 1962 state championship campaign that saw the Bearcats steamroll their competition from start to finish.

Cullman amassed a 10-0 record and outscored their opponents by around 32 points a game.

Gunter’s defense surrendered just 78 points all season and allowed seven or fewer points in as many tilts.

Not bad for a coach right out of college.

“We had some really good athletes on that team,” Gunter recalled. “We kind of put it together that year. We were one of the smallest programs at that time. You had A, AA, 3A and 4A back then. We were playing groups like Robert E. Lee and Sidney Lanier. Working alongside coach Woodard … it was a challenge. But we survived and persevered. Five players from that ’62 team graduated with us, attended Alabama and played good football.”

After departing Cullman, Gunter headed to Tuscaloosa, where he earned his doctorate and also helped coach track.

He then taught and coached for a spell at Austin Peay before taking a job as the superintendent for Tuscumbia City Schools, his last occupation before retiring.

“When you’ve been in it as long as I have, you do a little bit of everything,” he said.

Gunter spends the majority of his time now on Smith Lake, where he owns a place for relaxation.

He’s not big into fishing — “I’m a watcher” — and usually only keeps up with the Crimson Tide in the football world.

Aside from that, you can usually find him “piddling around.”

On Saturday, however, Gunter will put on his best suit and join an exclusive group of the Cullman County elite.

As a member of the Hall of Fame.

“I’m just looking forward to seeing a lot of people I haven’t seen in awhile,” Gunter said. “Former players Barry Willoughby and Wayne Chappell are already in there. It should be a great night.”