Georgia Tech Football: A Legacy of Firsts and Notable Alumni
Georgia Tech's football program boasts a rich history, marked by groundbreaking achievements, memorable victories, and a legacy of producing exceptional athletes and leaders. From its humble beginnings as "The Blacksmiths" to its current standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Georgia Tech has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. This article explores the program's notable alumni, celebrating their contributions to the sport and their lasting impact on society.
Breaking Barriers: Pioneers of Integration
Georgia Tech played a significant role in the integration of college athletics in the South. Several individuals stand out as pioneers who paved the way for future generations:
- Ford C. Greene, Ralph A. Long Jr., and Lawrence Williams: In 1961, these three men became the first Black students to enroll at Georgia Tech, demonstrating remarkable courage and persistence in the face of adversity. Their acceptance followed multiple applications, and their presence on campus paved the way for future Black students. A commemorative statue, "The Three Pioneers," stands in Harrison Square as a testament to their legacy.
- Ronald Yancey: In 1965, Yancey became the first Black student to earn a degree from Georgia Tech, graduating with an electrical engineering degree. Despite facing isolation and additional academic hurdles, Yancey persevered, setting a precedent for Black students in STEM fields. A statue of Yancey, "The First Graduate," graces the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons.
- John Gill: Arriving in 1963, Gill became the first Black editor of The Technique, Georgia Tech's student newspaper, for the 1966-67 academic year.
- Eddie McAshan: In 1969, McAshan, a quarterback from Gainesville, Florida, became the first Black player to receive a football scholarship at Georgia Tech.
- Gregory Horne and Karl Barnes: One year after McAshan, Horne became the second Black player to receive a football scholarship. Barnes, a transfer student, joined the team as a walk-on at the invitation of Coach Bud Carson. Barnes became the first Black student-athlete and letter winner (football and track) to graduate from Georgia Tech, earning a bachelor's degree in industrial management in 1973 and a master's degree in architecture in 1977.
Trailblazers in Academia and Athletics
Beyond their athletic achievements, many Georgia Tech alumni have made significant contributions in various fields:
- Milton Woodward: An Atlanta native and Howard University graduate, Woodward became the first Black student to earn a master's degree at Tech in electrical engineering.
- Bill Stanley: In 1972, Stanley became the first Black student to graduate from Georgia Tech with a degree in architecture. He later co-founded the architectural firm Love-Stanley with his wife, Ivenue, and together they designed the Olympic Aquatic Center for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Donna Jean Smith: Smith, a dual degree recipient from Spelman College, became the first Black female undergraduate from Georgia Tech to graduate with a chemical engineering degree in 1974.
- Jan Hilliard: One year after the inaugural season of the Georgia Tech women's basketball team, Hilliard became the first Black female student-athlete to play for Tech in 1975.
- Bill McCullough: In 1975, McCullough became Tech's first Black coach in any sport when he was hired as the football program's strength and conditioning coach.
- Tawana (Derricotte) Miller and Brenda Elayne Gullatt: In 1976, Miller and Gullatt became the first Black women to graduate with a bachelor's degree in the four-year program at Georgia Tech.
- Augustine Esogbue: Esogbue arrived at Georgia Tech in 1972 and, in 1977, became the Institute's first Black tenured faculty member. He was also the world's first Black Ph.D. in industrial engineering and operations research.
- Dorothy Cowser Yancy: Yancy received tenure in 1980, becoming the first Black female faculty member to be promoted and tenured as a full professor at Georgia Tech.
Football Greats: Hall of Famers and NFL Standouts
Georgia Tech's football program has produced numerous players who have achieved success at the collegiate and professional levels. Several alumni have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, including:
- Buck Flowers: Flowers was the first Georgia Tech player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
- Joe Guyon: Guyon played for Georgia Tech under coach John Heisman and helped the school win its first national championship in 1917. He is a 1966 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- William Alexander: Coach Alexander was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
- Bobby Dodd: Coach Dodd was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.
- John Heisman: Coach Heisman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1964.
Other notable Georgia Tech football alumni who have excelled in the NFL include:
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- Maxie Baughan: A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Baughan played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Redskins.
- Bill Curry: Curry played for the Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, and Los Angeles Rams. He was a member of the Packers team that won the first Super Bowl and the Colts team that won Super Bowl V.
- Marco Coleman: Coleman played for the Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos. He was a one-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Keith Brooking: A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Brooking played for the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, and Denver Broncos.
- Pat Swilling: Swilling played for the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, and Oakland Raiders.
- Demaryius Thomas: Thomas played for the Denver Broncos and New York Jets.
- Calvin Johnson: Johnson played for the Detroit Lions and holds the NFL record for receiving yards in a season (1,964).
- Levens: Levens played for the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants. He was a member of the Packers team that won Super Bowl XXXI.
Success in Other Sports
Georgia Tech's legacy extends beyond football, with notable alumni achieving success in other sports as well:
- K.G. White: White was the first Black student-athlete to play baseball at Georgia Tech. He was a first-team All-ACC selection and was inducted into the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
- Rick Davison: Davison became the first Black head coach at Tech when he was hired to lead the Yellow Jacket women’s tennis team.
Leaders in Academia and Administration
Georgia Tech alumni have also made significant contributions to academia and administration:
- Jacqueline Jones Royster: Royster led the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts as the first Black dean at Georgia Tech.
- Charles Isbell: Isbell joined the faculty in 2002 and became the first Black dean of the College of Computing.
Defining Moments in Georgia Tech Football History
Throughout its history, Georgia Tech's football program has been defined by several memorable moments:
- 1917 National Championship: Led by a dominant backfield, Georgia Tech won its first national championship, marking a significant milestone for Southern football.
- 1929 Rose Bowl: In their first bowl game appearance, Georgia Tech secured a narrow victory over California, highlighted by Roy Riegels' infamous wrong-way run.
- 1952 National Championship: Coach Bobby Dodd led the Yellow Jackets to a perfect season and a Sugar Bowl victory, solidifying his legacy as one of the program's greatest coaches.
- 1962 Victory over Alabama: This game is considered Bobby Dodd's greatest win, as his team defeated the top-ranked Crimson Tide, ending their 26-game undefeated streak.
- 1990 Win over Virginia: Ranked No. 16, Georgia Tech upset the top-ranked Virginia Cavaliers in what is considered one of the greatest games in ACC history.
- 2008 Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate Victory: In Paul Johnson's first season as head coach, Georgia Tech snapped a seven-year losing streak against the University of Georgia.
- 2014 Orange Bowl Victory: The Yellow Jackets defeated Mississippi State in a high-scoring affair, showcasing their offensive prowess.
- 2015 "Miracle on Techwood Drive": In a stunning upset, Georgia Tech defeated No. 9 Florida State on a last-second kickoff return touchdown.
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