Reese’s Senior Bowl and Director Phil Savage Part Ways
The Senior Bowl made a surprising announce
ment related to their leadership last week. The premier college All-Start week announced they are mutually parting ways with director Phil Savage. In 1951, Mobile was blessed with the vision and leadership of Mr. Finley McRae, CEO of Merchants National Bank, who brought The Senior Bowl to Mobile, Ala. Mr. Finley employed Mr. Rea Schuessler as the first General Manager, tasked with developing the premier college football post-season bowl honoring and showcasing the talents of the best college senior football players in the nation. Since that time, there have been many dedicated stewards of the Senior Bowl, both volunteers and full-time professional employees. I worked with Steve Hale for many years helping annually to develop the roster of the top All-Star week in the country. None of the leaders have been more capable than director Phil Savage. Since Phil joined the Senior Bowl staff in 2012 as the Executive Director, the event continued to grow in popularity, and expanded a year-around schedule of engaging activities that have been enjoyed by and benefit many in our local community.
The national exposure and reputation of the Reese’s Senior Bowl has greatly benefited from Phil’s energy, creativity and leadership. After six years together, it is with regret that they announced last week that Phil and the organization will be mutually parting ways as of May 15, 2018. Phil deserves a great deal of credit for being a loyal caretaker of Mobile’s signature football event, and he will be missed by the Reese’s Senior Bowl staff and Mobilians everywhere. We wish Phil the best and success in all of his future opportunities and pursuits. As Mobile Arts and Sports Association Chairman Angus Cooper put it, “We appreciate Phil’s efforts here, his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game, and I am confident that he will continue to have a successful career in football.” A search committee will be formed by the Mobile Arts and Sports Association to identify potential candidates for this all-important position. Wishing Phil all the best in his endeavors.
