Spellman, M.A. - Football, 1978
Born in Savannah, Spellman was a star athlete in football, basketball, and boxing. In 1939, he attended Spring Hill (Alabama) College where he played football, basketball, and baseball. From 1942-46, Spellman served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. While in the service, he won the Southern AAU light heavyweight boxing championship in 1943.
After his tour in the service ended, Spellman enrolled at the University of North Carolina and began to play on the school’s football team. He played at the running back position – principally as a blocker back for the great Charlie “Choo-Choo” Justice. Spellman was also the Tar Heels’ ace punter. He played on the 1946 Sugar Bowl team and participated in the All-Star games in Chicago against the Philadelphia Eagles the following career.
After graduation, Spellman took a coaching position at Commercial High School in Savannah. His football teams produced two city titles and a region championship title under his leadership. In basketball, his teams twice won the city title and the region title. The team also captured the first News-Press Basketball Tournament title as well.
From 1964-77, Spellman served as Athletic Director for the Savannah – Chatham Country Public School System.