True Blue Spotlight

In the heart of Statesboro, Georgia, there’s a little-known treasure trove that captures the essence of Georgia Southern University’s storied history. Joseph Stuckey IV (’21), a proud alumnus, has transformed his lifelong passion for Georgia Southern memorabilia into a thriving tribute to the University’s rich heritage.

Stuckey grew up in Portal, Georgia, about 15 miles from Georgia Southern. His fascination with sports memorabilia started early. “We would go and get autographs from minor league games, Braves games, things like that,” he said.

Georgia Southern was a natural choice for Stuckey. The vibrant culture, the strong sports tradition and the opportunity to study sport management and coaching made it the perfect fit. Two aspects of his education at Georgia Southern significantly impacted his journey. “I really liked Dr. Hannah’s brand management course,” Stuckey recalled. This course allowed him to understand the significance of brand and image — knowledge he now applies in his career.

The second influential experience was a golf tournament organized by Professor Gregg Rich, Ph.D., in support of the Willie J. Burden Memorial Scholarship. “We hosted the golf tournament here in Statesboro. It had a silent auction with it. So we went around and collected sports memorabilia to sell and set the record for money raised,” Stuckey explained.

This endeavor — combining sports, fundraising and memorabilia, ultimately played a pivotal role in shaping the business venture. After graduation, he began working with Roosevelt Cone Jr., as the marketing director for Cone’s packing and moving company. The job gave Stuckey an opportunity to open Cone’s Statesboro Sports Memorabilia a few months before completing his degree. It’s not just a business, said Stuckey, it’s a labor of love.

Cone, a notable figure in the community, is the driving force behind the Roosevelt Cone Jr. Scholarship, a community charitable endeavor that offers scholarships to underserved kids, enabling them to participate in local recreation department sports programs. The profits from Statesboro Sports Memorabilia play a crucial role in funding this initiative.

In the store, Stuckey proudly displays unique and rare collectibles. Among them, from his personal collection, can sometimes be seen his prized Erk Russell autograph with the famous “GATA” inscription taking center stage.

In the sports memorabilia industry, authenticity is everything, and Stuckey’s Erk Russell autograph is doubly special. He says it’s one of only two such autographs authenticated by major industry players: Beckett, PSA and JSA, and the only one officially certified with the “GATA” inscription.

Beyond Erk Russell, Stuckey’s collection includes memorabilia related to Georgia Southern football players who have gone on to play professionally. These unique pieces, often with low production numbers, recount the athletes’ accomplishments and their connection to Georgia Southern’s legacy.

Through his collaboration with Cone, Stuckey is making a meaningful impact on Georgia Southern’s traditions, history and its students, but more than that, it’s a place where he can promote Georgia Southern to every visitor who walks through the door.

“I view that as one of my life’s goals,” said Stuckey.

— Liz Walker