Sunday school teacher, after-dinner speaker, poet, philosopher, Rick Mays was above all a dedicated athlete and friend of all sports.
A native Memphian, he played football for Central High School and entered Southwestern in the fall of 1933 where he lettered in football, basketball, tennis and track. The Memphis Commercial Appeal said of his college career, “He weighed only 128 pounds when he played college football at Southwestern during the mid-thirties, but spirit carried him to stardom during the Lynx’ golden years just as it carried him throughout his coaching career…”
On campus Rick was also an intramural boxing participant, president of Sigma Nu Fraternity and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, national honorary leadership fraternity.
Following his graduation in 1937, he coached at Central and Tech High. He then returned to his alma mater where he served as head football coach from 1954 until his untimely death by drowning in 1960. He held an overall record of 26-29-0 in his seven seasons as Lynx head coach.
At the time of Rick May’s death, a reporter noted, “He expected his team to give its best, in victory or defeat, maybe because that is what Rick Mays always gave-his best.” And President Peyton Rhodes added, “…his indomitable spirit will remain with the college he loved and serve so well.”
In recognition of his athletic accomplishments and his leadership as Lynx head football coach, Rhodes is honored to induct RICHARD C. “RICK” MAYS into the Athletic Hall of Fame this 23rd day of October, 1998.
