Marshall, Blount Join MACJC Sports Hall of Fame

Former East Central Community College football standout Earl Marshall (center) of Hattiesburg receives congratulations from ECCC President Dr. Phil A. Sutphin following Marshall’s induction into the Mississippi Community and Junior College (MACJC) Sports Hall of Fame. Marshall, an All-State offensive and defensive end, was a member of the 1954 and 1955 Warrior squads. He continued his athletic career at the University of Southern Mississippi and is a member of the USM Sports Hall of Fame. A Philadelphia native, Marshall is a former resident of Clinton. At left is Joe Blount, whose late father Lamar Blount of Decatur was also inducted into the prestigious group. Lamar Blount was an All-American offensive back at East Central and helped lead the Warriors to the 1939 state championship. He continued his athletic career at Mississippi State University and helped lead the Bulldogs to the Southeastern Conference title in 1941. In addition, he was an All-Southern Conference performer at Duke University. Blount was also a member of several professional football teams. Marshall and Blount, who are both members of the ECCC Athletic Hall of Fame, were among the 30 new members of the MACJC Sports Hall of Fame who were honored during the special ceremony held April 22, 2008, at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson.