"Marion Stirs Memories of WFL"

In the June 29th, 1980, Montgomery Advertiser, John Cargile saw cause to feel nostalgic about the WFL's 1.5 seasons. It read like a nice summary of the league's presence in the magic city and therefore share-worthy here.

1975, Oct 19th: Memphis Southmen 00 @ Birmingham Vulcans 21

The article below is from the October 20th, 1975, Birmingham Post-Herald. This was the Vulcans' final game and they went out in style.

A Little Promotional Work for Vulcans' Johnny Musso

Since the ad below from the September 28th, 1975, Selma Times-Journal provided some brief biographical info on Vulcans running back Johnny Musso, I thought it would be worth sharing. You rarely get images of that quality from newspaper archives.  

Following his time with the Vulcans, Musso joined the Bears and played with them from 1975 to 1977. He retired in 1978 due to injury. The Birmingham native is in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. 

August 23rd, 1975: The Birmingham Vulcans Offensive Line

The image below appeared in the Birmingham Post-Herald on the date specified in the subject line. While the "Vulcans (WFL '75)" page is meant to display news articles chronologically, I didn't want this image buried among all the clippings there. We all know offensive linemen rarely get the credit they deserve!

July 13th, 1975: "A New Start For Vulcans' Powell"

The article below appeared in the Selma Times-Journal on the date indicated in the subject line.

 

1976, August 5th: "Cantrelle Victim of Big Business"

The article below appeared in the South Mississippi Sun just following former Birmingham American and Vulcan running back Art Cantrelle's retirement. 

Searching for information about whatever became of Cantrelle following his playing career, I found out that he was inducted in the Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Fame earlier this year. The following video was produced as a result of his induction, though being a Bayou Region hall of fame, it naturally focuses more on his collegiate career at Louisiana State. Pro football in Alabama and Canada clearly was second priority, underscored by their misidentification of Jack Pardee as Jack Gotta.

Still, it's a good watch. I can only hope to look that good at 74!

April 17th, 1975: "It's Official: Birmingham, WFL To Play Again"

The Birmingham Vulcans have entered the chat. 

I wanted to work my way through the bulk of the 1974 Birmingham Americans existence before getting into the Vulcans, the team that essentially replaced them in 1975.

We've finally reached that point. This article from the Birmingham Post-Herald was published the day after the official announcement after several weeks of build up.

Apologies for the wavey effect in the bottom half, that's not my doing.