Balpha Lonnie (B.L. or Lonnie) Noojin (August 10, 1885 – September 7, 1950),[1] athlete, educator and politician, was also a successful businessman. Noojin completed his education at The University of Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1908. While at the Capstone, Noojin was associate editor of the student newspaper and annual and an outstanding member of The University baseball team. Following graduation, he played baseball briefly for the Cincinnati Reds. Noojin then moved from baseball to education.[2]
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Noojin was born in Attalla, Alabama. He taught at the Agricultural School in Blountsville and Albertville. In Albertville, he met Willie Lucille McNaron, and married her in 1916. Noojin served as director of athletics at Howard College before coming to the Capstone. At Alabama, Noojin served coach for both baseball and basketball, athletic director and instructor of English, French, Spanish, Physics and Chemistry.[2]
In 1919, he resigned from the University to join his brother in the hardware business. The Noojin brothers operated a hardware store until 1923, when they founded the Noojin Supply Company. Three years later, Noojin bought his brother's interest and managed the company on his own. Noojin became active in a number of civic activities. He was on the Board of Directors of the American National Bank of Gadsden, Alabama Power Company and the Gadsden Chamber of Commerce. Noojin was the president of the National Alumni Association and member of the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama.[2]
Noojin was also an active politician, serving on the Republican State Committee and the Republican National Convention.[2]
Lonnie Noojin (1916-1920) led the Crimson Tide to five SIAA titles in his six-year tenure at the Capstone. He compiled a 70-20 (.778) overall record coaching on the diamond.[3]
Lonnie Noojin coached the Alabama men's basketball team for a single season in 1918 to a 2-5 (.286) record[4]
Noojin died in Gadsden, Alabama; he was 65 years old.
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