University of Tennessee Athletics
UT Remembrances 2011
December 31, 2011 | General
Dec. 31, 2011
The Tennessee family lost a number of former student-athletes, coaches and administrators during the 2011 calendar year. Below is a brief look at those who played a part in the history of UT Athletics, with their years lettered in parentheses.
George Balitsaris, 87, football (1946-48) -- Interception TD vs. Georgia Tech helped Vols win 1946 SEC title. Opened T-Club membership to all UT athletes. Went on to lengthy Knoxville judicial career. Feb. 25.
Frank "Boomer" Boring, 83, football (1949-51) -- Member of 1951 national championship Vols. Became successful coach (1958-72), teacher and administrator at Knoxville Central High School. Dec. 12.
Whit Canale, 69, football (1962, 64) -- Starting tight end was third of three Canale brothers to play for Vols, following George (1960-62) and Frank (1962). Missed 1963 season with knee injury. Sept. 17.
Roger Coggins, 86, football (1948-49) -- Sure-fire tackler and blocker came from nowhere to first string for late-1940s Vols. Became multi-sport preps coach in Tennessee and home state of Virginia. Aug. 27.
W.G. "Dub" Currie, 86, tennis (1948-50) -- Helped UT tennis return to varsity status after WW II. Lost one match in three years at No. 1 singles. Won 1950 SEC No. 3 doubles with Tommy Bartlett. Aug. 3.
Bob Davis, 81, football (1949-51) -- Center on UT's all-time football team and started for 1951 national champs. Later coached UT football and wrestling and served as associate AD for 25-plus years. Oct. 2.
Aaron Douglas, 21, football (2009) -- Freshman All-America offensive tackle in only Vols season. Transferred and was playing at Alabama. Son of former Vols David Douglas and Karla Horton Douglas. May 12.
Gene Felty, 84, football (1949-50) -- Backup center and linebacker on 1950 national title Vols that finished 11-1. World War II veteran before attending UT. Longtime business owner in Bristol. Oct. 26.
Jeff Field, 48, track and field (1982-85) -- All-America javelin performer who helped Vols win four straight SEC Outdoor titles. Charted third-best mark in UT history at 256 feet, 7 inches in 1984. Nov. 24.
Bob Fisher, 78, football (1951-53) -- Member of 1951 national championship Vols and All-SEC defensive tackle. Successful high school coach in Ohio after early stints in Georgia and Tennessee. March 5.
Jerry Gowdy, 71, football (1962-63) -- Defensive end under coaches Bowden Wyatt and Jim McDonald. Coached high school football in South Carolina and later owned a Charleston tour company. April 14.
Jack Haynes, 95, football and wrestling (1935-37) -- Oldest living member of UT wrestling at time of death. Wrestling captain in 1937 and played freshman football. Army officer in WWII, Korea. Feb. 3.
Joe Hendee, 50, swimming coach -- UT swimming assistant for two head coaches over 33 years after starting as student manager in 1978. Knoxville Racquet Club summer swim coach for 20 years. April 24.
Alf Holmberg, 83, cross country and track (1949-51) -- UT's first cross country All-America and member of the "Ancients" in Vols lore. Won 1950 and '51 SEC individual titles and 1951 NCAA runner-up. Nov. 8.
Ron Jarvis, 66, football (1965-67) -- Reserve fullback on Doug Dickey squads that competed in three bowls and won 1967 SEC title. Lived most of adult life in Honolulu before retiring in Knoxville. June 16.
Doug Knotts, 77, football coach -- Served as defensive line coach under Doug Dickey from 1966-69. Vols were 34-9-1 in those years with two SEC titles and 1967 Litkenhous national championship. Oct. 6.
Frank Kolinsky, 76, football (1955-57) -- Starting tackle on 1957 Gator Bowl-winning team and played considerably for 1956 SEC champs. Knoxville leader known for work with substance abuse issues. May 9.
Mike LaSorsa, 77, football (1958-60) -- First Vols footballer to go from walk-on to captain. Named left end on All-SEC third team in 1960. Went on to 33-year teaching career in Knoxville area. Dec. 24.
Chester McGlockton, 42, football coach -- Coaching intern in 2009 under Lane Kiffin. Clemson star went on to 12-year NFL career that included four Pro Bowls. Stanford assistant last two seasons. Nov. 30.
Barry McKinnon, 76, basketball and golf (1953-56) -- Played two seasons of basketball and was former golf team captain. Jan. 7.
George Mooney, 91, radio play-by-play -- "Voice of the Vols" from 1952-67. Credited with founding Vol Navy in 1962 when he first piloted his boat to football games to avoid traffic. Oct. 13.
Elwood Powers, 92, basketball and football (1940-42) -- Helped UT basketball to 50-15 record and 1942 SEC title. One year earlier, Vols captured SEC tournament crown with four wins in three days. July 14.
Ernie Robertson, 82, video and photo -- Created UT Photo Services and for 39 years served as man behind memorable football and basketball images and film clips from 1960s through early 1990s. June 3.
Joe Steffy, 85, football (1944) -- Played as freshman on 1944 Rose Bowl squad. Transferred to Army, where he finished All-America career. Elected to College Football Hall of Fame in 1987. May 24.
Murray Warmath, 98, football (1932-34) -- UT's oldest living gridiron letterman when he died. Coached under Neyland in 1930s and 1940s. Later won 1960 national title as Minnesota head coach. March 16.
Bill Wright, 87, baseball coach and basketball (1943, 47) -- Coached UT baseball to 408 wins over 19 seasons. Also Knoxville basketball star who helped Vols to 1943 SEC championship. April 21.
Steve Wold, 63, football (1968-70) -- Reserve fullback who averaged 5.7 yards per rushing attempt for UT career. His 82-yard run vs. Vandy in 1969 remains longest non-scoring rush in UT history. Nov. 5.
Bob Zvolerin, 71, football (1963) -- Starting tackle on 1963 Vols. Drafted by NFL's Redskins but chose to enter U.S. Marines. High school coach and administrator for 36 years in Cleveland, Tenn. Nov. 3.
