Alabama Athletic Director Bill Battle will return to Selma Monday night to speak at the Selma Quarterback Club.

Before his time leading one of the nation’s most successful athletic departments, Battle lived in Selma and worked for entrepreneur Larry Striplin and Circle S Industries in the 1970’s.

He held various positions within Circle S during his time at the company, serving as president of two different companies and vice chairman of the Circle S Holding Company Board, according to his biography on RollTide.com.

Quarterback Club captain Menzo Driskell said Battle’s strong ties to Selma still exist today.

“He’s still got close ties here and friends that he continues to email,” Selma Quarterback Club captain Menzo Driskell said. “… I’ve had several people call and say they were in bridge clubs together when they were here and are looking forward to him coming back. I think it’s going to be a special night. He’s obviously probably one of the biggest name speakers we are going to have this year.”

Driskell is hoping a large crowd will welcome Battle back to town.

“We want to welcome him back with a big Selma welcome,” Driskell said. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a great night with a great speaker.”

Battle took over the job as athletic director at the University of Alabama in March 2013, after Mal Moore stepped down.

By that time, his success in numerous job fields had shown his ability to do the job.

Battle was a head coach for the University of Tennessee from 1970-1976 and posted a 59-22-2 record. After his coaching stint with the Volunteers, he moved to Selma to begin his time with Circle S in Selma. During his six years at the company, Circle S grew from two companies, earning $12 million in sales annually, to 10 companies earning $60 million.

In 1981 he founded the Collegiate Licensing Company and served as president and chief executive officer until 2002.

Driskell said the club is expecting a large crowd Monday.

The club has an estimated 150 members this year and Driskell is hoping many non-members will also go to Monday’s meeting.

The cost for non-members to attend is $25, which includes a meal from Hancock’s Barbeque.

Selma Quarterback Club meetings are held at the Selma Convention Center located at 211 Washington Street.

Reservations can be made by calling Forrest Hatfield at 872-4042 or Driskell at 412-3154 or 874-7419.