Chattanooga developer and former University of Chattanooga football All-American James L. "Bucky" Wolford died Friday.
Mr. Wolford played for head coaches Scrappy Moore and Harold Wilkes from 1966-69, and was a Little All-American as a senior.
"On behalf of the Chattanooga football program, we would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the Wolford family," stated current UTC head coach Tom Arth. "Bucky and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time.
"Although I did not know Bucky more than few months, his life and his passion for Chattanooga and our football program have been an inspiration to me. There is no doubt that his leadership and legacy will live on forever at UTC. He is truly one of Chattanooga's all-time greats on the field and off, and I am blessed to have known him."
Mr.
Wolford came to Chattanooga from Kimberly, Ala., and had an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball. His seven interceptions in 1966 are still a freshman record for the Mocs and tied for second most in a season in school history.
He added another six picks in 1967. The 13 in his career are tied for the school record with Phillip Aldridge (1982-85). One of the highlight of his sophomore season was a 51-yard fumble return for a score against Auburn on Sept. 23, 1967.
"Bucky Wolford loved UTC more than any other person I have met during my time on campus," stated UTC Chancellor Steve Angle. "His love grew from his time as a football star, outstanding student, and later through serving the university on the UT Board of Trustees, UC Foundation, and most recently as Chair of the UC Foundation Board.
"This Chancellor and the entire university benefited from his counsel, advice and enthusiasm. He strived for excellence in all he did, and he expected his University to do the same. While we will all miss him, his legacy will live on at UTC, making each of us work just a little bit harder. Bucky Wolford defined the MOC Spirit."
Mr. Wolford moved over to offense in 1968 and led the Mocs in rushing with 852 yards on the ground. He topped 100 yards on two occasions, with 118 against Jacksonville State on Sept. 28 and 116 against ETSU on Oct. 19
He also had an 80-yard TD run against Furman on Nov. 16. Wolford went on to post a career average of 5.2 yards per carry, which remains in the top 10 in the record book.
The 1968 season was the first under head coach Harold Wilkes, and Chattanooga's 9-1 record that year is the best in school history. Wolford tried to secure a perfect season for UC with a 94-yard kick-off return for a touchdown against Ole Miss on Nov. 9. However, Chattanooga came up short in its only loss to the Rebels 38-16.
"I heard about Bucky's passion for UTC throughout the interview process," stated incoming Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton. "The impact of his leadership on our athletics program was tremendous and will certainly be missed."
Wolford was inducted into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989. He also won the Joe Morrison Award, given to a former UTC student-athlete for lifetime accomplishments, in 1993.
His biggest impact on UTC may have come after his playing days. A successful businessman, Wolford generously supported his beloved Mocs. UTC's current weight room is officially called the Wolford Family Strength & Conditioning Center because of his generosity.
"Bucky impacted many lives," stated Dr. Bryan Rowland, UTC's Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs & Executive Director of the UC Foundation. "He loved his family, his alma mater and UTC football. Greatness and success are defined by special people doing special things. Bucky Wolford was a special person!"
A lengthy career in commercial development earned him a spot in the UTC Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. He has served as a member of the UT Board of Trustees and, until recently, was the Chairman of the UC Foundation. This foundation provides resources that support distinctive programs and promote bold initiatives that enrich the educational experience at UTC.