Jan. 5, 2015 PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - A memorial service is scheduled in Alexandria, Va. this Saturday (Jan. 10) to honor the late Mack Alston, who died unexpectedly Christmas Eve. He was 67.
Alston parlayed a reputation as a stellar two-way football player at then-Maryland State College into an 11-year career in the National Football League, where he played tight end for three franchises between 1970 and 1980.
Alston was inducted into the Hawk Hall of Fame in 1984 on the merits of an outstanding athletic career where he was a teammate of NFL Hall of Famer Art Shell, a fellow South Carolinian. As a freshman and sophomore playing alongside Shell, the Hawks combined to go 10-4-1 in the final two seasons of Hall of Fame coach Sandy Gilliam's tenure.
A Georgetown County, S.C. native, Alston stood an impressive 6-4, weighed 230 lbs. and played on both sides of the ball for the Hawks. While mostly lining up as a tight end, he also played linebacker and defensive end when called upon.
Alston remained an imposing presence well past his playing career and was a loyal alumnus who actively supported his alma mater's athletic and academic endeavors. He earned his business administration degree in 1971.
Drafted by the Washington Redskins, Alston played there three seasons before being traded to the Houston Oilers in 1973. He spent the next four seasons as an Oiler, the most productive of his career. He held an Oilers' record for most touchdowns in a game when he caught three against the Cleveland Browns in 1975. Alston signed as a free agent with Baltimore, returning to Maryland in 1977 and playing for the Colts before retiring in 1980.
He finished his pro career with 15 touchdowns - 12 with the Oilers - playing in 145 games and catching 108 passes for 1,247 career yards.
Carl Hairston, a fellow Hawk football great and UMES Hall of Famer who played after Alston has already graduated, expressed his feelings on Alston's impact on the program. "His legacy help set the standard for me as a professional. A great man and person."
Alston in playing days with the Oilers.
Alston was honored with a Presidential Commendation and was invited to the White House both in the mid-70s. As a youth advocate, he testified before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee on youth employment.
In his post-football life, Alston was visible and involved in his community as well as at UMES. He recently served on the University's search committee for a new men's basketball coach that resulted in the hiring of Bobby Collins. He also worked to preserve Hawk football memories, recently volunteering his time for a video produced to chronicle the history of the program that ceased fielding a team after the 1979 season. He was a regular participant at the Art Shell Celebrity Golf Classic, a University fundraiser. Two weeks before his sudden passing, Alston made a substantial contribution to help fully fund the athletics department's "Deuces" campaign, fully vesting an endowment to support general athletic needs.
"There was not a selfish bone in this man's body," said Dr. Michael Casey, a fellow UMES Hall of Famer. "He loved ... football and many of the schools around the Washington Metropolitan area are thankful for Mack, volunteering his time, skills and knowledge of the game for free when they asked for his services."
"He helped so many ... students, coaches and yes, school administrators to realize that education comes first and sports second," Casey said. "We lost a Hawk and a friend, who has now gone to join that great Maryland State/UMES football team in heaven."
Wayne Jearld, Interim Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations at UMES and an alumnus, offered his thoughts. "Mack was my classmate, he became a friend, and his heart was as big as he was tall. Mack truly cared for his friends, community and college."
Alston at practice at Maryland State 1970.
He is survived by his wife, Rose A.W. Alston, a son, Kevin, a daughter, Andrea, and her husband, Gerald Cope Sr., and grandson Gerald Jr.
A funeral service was held Dec. 30, 2014 at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Georgetown, S.C., where he graduated from Howard High School. He was buried at St. Mary's Community Cemetery in nearby Pawleys Island, S.C.
Saturday's memorial service in Alexandria, Va. will be 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St. They can be reached at 703-684-3720.
