Al Lankford
Class of 1997
Alfred “Al” Lankford built a reputation as one of the finest basketball players ever to come out of Huntsville’s Lee High School. A native of Madison County, Lankford displayed exceptional basketball ability from an early age while playing at Chapman Middle School before continuing his development at Lee.
At Lee High School, Lankford quickly emerged as one of the city’s premier players. As a sophomore in 1974, he earned first-team All-City honors, a remarkable accomplishment for such a young player. His athletic skill, scoring ability and leadership helped establish him as one of the top performers in the area during his high school career.
Lankford continued his basketball journey at Jacksonville State University, where he played for coach Bill Jones and became a key contributor to the Gamecocks’ success during the late 1970s.
One of Lankford’s most memorable seasons came in 1978-79. Early in the year, Jacksonville State captured the Cystic Fibrosis Classic in Valdosta, Georgia. Lankford scored 33 points in the opening game and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. His outstanding play continued during the Montgomery Tip-Off Club Tournament over the holiday season, where the Gamecocks defeated Huntingdon and Auburn-Montgomery. Lankford scored 32 and 29 points in those games and once again earned tournament MVP honors.
During Lankford’s time at Jacksonville State, the Gamecocks compiled impressive records of 17-8, 20-7 and 22-8 under Coach Jones, establishing themselves as one of the stronger programs in the region.
After his playing career, Lankford remained dedicated to the Huntsville community. He has worked as a security official with the Huntsville City School System and has continued to mentor young athletes. Many who have crossed his path simply know him as “Coach Lankford,” a respected role model who continues to guide young men and women in both athletics and life.
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