Magazine
Fall/Winter 1999

Stan Huntsman '54
Olympic and college track coach, University of Tennessee, University of Texas

What event of the 20th century had the most significant impact on your profession or field of study? What lesson do you take away from that event?

The fact that the dollar bill is dicating the rules for athletics in America. In other words, ÒIf it doesn't pay, discard it." The lesson I've learned is that we must continue to fight hard for the development of desirable human traits and spend money on their development—whether it pays or operates at a deficit.

Personally, what is the most meaningful life lesson you have taken from your vocation or avocation?

You (yourself) must do the job if it is to be done.

What person(s) or mentor(s) have had the most significant impact on your life? Can you describe how that person affected your life?

My mother and fatherÑthey expected me to succeed.

In your experience, what is the greatest misconception the public has about your vocation (or field of study) or the people in that vocation?

That a coach has little value in the education of youthÑand that success is almost entirely recruiting of athletes.

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