Basketball
3 Time All County (1955-1957)
4 Year Starter at Jacksonville State
MVP at Jacksonville State 1960

Earl Cleland had a standout high school career in the sport of basketball under the direction of Coach Paul Johnson in the late 1950’s. Because of Earl’s accomplishments at Sand Rock High School, he received an athletic scholarship to Jacksonville State College. In 1957 he began playing on the varsity basketball team as a freshman. Earl led Jacksonville State College in scoring in 1959 and 1960. He was also the leader in rebounds and field goal percentage for Jacksonville State in 1960. During his senior year of college, Earl was awarded the Coach J.W. Stephenson Most Valuable Player Award.