The University of South Alabama held a public dedication of the massive “Gridiron” sculpture Thursday.  The 24-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture, donated by 1972 graduate David Gwin and his wife, Lynn, was designed by Fairhope-based sculptor Bruce Larsen. It depicts a runner holding the ball to the sky triumphantly as he is swarmed by a throng of tacklers.

From left: USA Athletic Development Director John Goodroe; USA Board of Trustees Chair Jim Yance; Larsen; local artist Frank Ledbetter, who helped Larsen construct the sculpture; USA President Gordon Moulton; Lynn Gwin; David Gwin; USA Head Football Coach Joey Jones; and USA Athletic Director Joel Erdmann.

The University of South Alabama recently held a public dedication of the massive “Gridiron” sculpture in front of the Football Field House.

The 24-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture, donated by David and Lynn Gwin, was designed by sculptor Bruce Larsen. It depicts a runner holding the ball to the sky triumphantly as he is swarmed by a throng of tacklers.

David Gwin received his bachelor’s degree in communications from USA in 1972. He went on to have a successful career in broadcast journalism before launching Vic Communications, an advertising agency with clients worldwide. He and his wife, Lynn, are loyal Jaguar fans and members of the Jaguar Athletic Club. Together, they have donated more than $250,000 to USA.

 “David and Lynn are amazing people,” USA President Gordon Moulton said. “They’ve already made a number of contributions on campus. This sculpture adds an extra dimension to the quality of life on our campus and certainly focuses attention on football as part of student life.”

David Gwin said he and his wife are advocates for public art that everyone can enjoy.

“Lynn and I have a passion for art, and we just believe there needs to be more public art – not just at universities, but in cities,” he said. “This was an opportunity for us to bring a magnificent art piece to the University that could tie into this great athletic endeavor at the University.”

Gwin credited his USA education as the foundation for his success in life and business.  
“I have a love for the University of South Alabama,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for the education I received here.”

Larsen, a Fairhope-based sculptor known for his fusion of natural and man-made materials into creations that are both spiritual and whimsical, said, “Gridiron is 5,000 pounds of off-the-shelf pipe fittings, sheet metal and imagination.”