Gary Hollingsworth was called to be executive director-treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention the same week his alma mater defeated Clemson University in the NCAA football championship game.

The irony of the timing is not lost on the Alabama alumnus, who supports his alma mater but also admires Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.

“I am for the Crimson Tide, and Gwen is a big-time college football fan,” he said. “But when I was serving at First Baptist of Trussville, Ala., I got to know and respect Dabo Swinney. At the time, he was an assistant coach at Alabama, and Trussville was part of his recruiting territory.

“When he was in town, he always worshipped with us and always took time to visit with me. I’m so proud of the success that he is having at Clemson.”

[Related: Gary Hollingsworth to lead South Carolina Baptist Convention as new state executive]

[Related: New exec hopes to bring ‘clarity and focus’ to convention’s role of serving, strengthening churches]

[Related: Call to serve in South Carolina was clear, say Hollingsworths]