Class of 1986

Roy (Firpo) Smith (1934) -- Smith earned twelve athletic letters during the early years of Carson-Newman athletics. He played full-back on the football team, was an outstanding guard on the basketball squad, and noted as a fine baseball catcher.

Colonel Frank Grubb (1937) -- Grubb was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1966. He captained the undefeated 1936 team and was selected MVP of the Smoky Mountain Athletic Conference that same year. He authored “What My Letter Means to Me.”

Wendell W. (Yank) Henderson (1937) -- Following his days at Carson-Newman Yank played two seasons with the Chicago Bears. He was All Smoky Mountain Athletic Conference for three consecutive football seasons. He played out-field on the baseball team and was also a star track performer.

William H. (Bill) Catlett (1940) -- Catlett was All Smoky Mountain Athletic Conference as a defensive cornerback and played single-wing tailback on offense. He also played guard on the basketball team and was a shortstop on the baseball squad.

John C. Murray (1948) -- Murray was a four-year starter on the football team. He was co-captain of the ‘46 team, captained the ‘47 squad, and earned All-Conference honors. He also played baseball and basketball for two seasons. He served as President of the Columbian Literary Society.

Ernest V. (Baldy) Cosson (1950) -- All Conference as a running back, Baldy still holds the school record for the longest regular season kick-off return (99 yds. vs. Emory & Henry, 1949). He was noted as a prolific scorer and kick-return artist.

Ray Allen Shubert (1941) -- Shubert was awarded four athletic letters in both football and baseball. He was football team captain and selected as All-Conference. He served as President of the Men’s Student Government and the Letterman’s Club.

Arnold Mellinger (1957) -- Mellinger is the only basketball player in the history of Carson-Newman who has had his jersey retired (No. 30). An All-Conference performer, he was a four-year starter and a top rebounder. He coached on both the high school and collegiate levels.

Dal Shealy (1950) -- A four-year letterman, Shealy was one of the smallest linemen to play at Carson-Newman at 168 lbs.He served as Head Football and Track Coach at Carson-Newman, and in 1972 is gridders were the NAIA National Football Runner-ups.

Bobby Baker (1963) -- Carson-Newman’s first football All-American (Fall 1962). He is the only Eagle to have his football jersey retired (No. 28). Bobby was an outstanding running back and place kicker.

Clyde Wright (1965) -- Chico was the ace on Carson-Newman’s 1965 National Baseball Championship Team. He was an All-American in 1965, and later selected to the NAIA Baseball Hall of Fame. Signed with the California Angels and spent ten years in the major leagues.