Austin Peay State University Athletics

Considered one of the best players, “pound-for-pound”, to ever don a Governors football uniform, he served as the defensive foundation for Austin Peay’s only OVC championship in 1977. The 5-9 205-pound Bible earned Associated Press All-American linebacker honors during that season while also being selected OVC “Defensive Player of the Year.” The Jasper, Tenn., native came to APSU in 1974, and after playing sparingly his freshman season, became an integral part of the Govs’ defense his next three season. As a sophomore, he developed into an outstanding defender, finishing second in tackles, with 68 initial hits and 45 assists. He also recovered four fumbles and intercepted two passes. As a junior, Bible was selected All-OVC after leading the Govs in tackles with 89 initial hits and 51 assists. In addition, he picked off one pass and recovered a fumble. However, he saved his best season for his senior season. He served as the defensive captain and sparked a defensive captain and sparked a defensive unit that allowed just 12 points per game. That sparked APSU to its only OVC title and an 8-3 record. For the second straight season, he lead APSU in tackles with 99 initial hits and 71 assists. He recorded eight tackles for losses. He also recovered two fumbles and picked off one pass. He was named All-OVC for a second time and earned the league’s best defensive player honor. Bible then was selected to the AP All-America team, one of only nine Govs to achieve first team honors during APSU 50-year football history. To wrap up his outstanding athletic career, he was named the 1978 Joy Award winner, given annually to Austin Peay’s most valuable senior athlete. After graduating (June 1979), he coached for just one season at his alma mater, Marion County. He then entered the coal industry, first as a maintenance technician and then operated his own maintenance service company. In February 1985, he joined AVCO in a supervisory position. On the same day he learned of his Hall of Fame selection, Bible earned a promotion into employee relations capacity before retiring.