When the cheerleaders didn’t show up as planned at the “Beat Auburn” pep rally before the 2008 Iron Bowl, Kendall Williams, University of Alabama National Alumni Association Chilton County Chapter president, was disappointed.

The Association’s way of making up for the mix up, though, has Williams and other UA supporters excited.

Athletics Director Mal Moore will be the featured speaker at the chapter’s spring meeting at 6 p.m. on April 21 at Clanton First United Methodist Church’s Life Center.

“We’re very excited about it,” Williams said. “He has done a lot for the University.”

Moore’s latest accomplishment was the hiring of Anthony Grant from Virginia Commonwealth as the Crimson Tide’s new basketball coach. Moore also hired football coach Nick Saban and was an assistant under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, but Williams had no guess about the subject of Moore’s speech.

“Our guests generally talk about what they do, what’s going and then answer questions,” Williams said. “We’ve had basketball coaches and former athletic director Bob Bockrath, but this is the biggest name we’ve had.

“We’re looking for a big crowd, the biggest crowd we’ve ever had at one of these things.”

The meeting will include dinner. Tickets are $15 a person and can be reserved by calling Williams at (205) 351-2099, Ronnie Carmichael at 755-0968, Glenn McGriff at 688-2839 or Bobby Cook at 755-3418.

Williams stressed that the event is open to anyone interested, not just UA graduates.

“We have had great support from Chilton County; we really have,” Williams said. “We’re always amazed at how many people respond.”