John Stucky, who as head of Tennessee's strength and conditioning program in the 1990s helped lift Volunteer football to a national championship level, died Thursday night in Springdale, Ark. He was 59.
Stucky officially resigned from his UT position as assistant athletics director for physical development in June 2002 because of continuing medical problems. He came to the Vols in 1994 after stints at Arkansas (twice), Oklahoma State, North Carolina State, Wichita State and Kansas State. It was at Wichita State from 1974-76 that he met and became friends with then fellow-assistant Phillip Fulmer, who later hired Stucky at Tennessee.
"John Stucky was a great man," Fulmer said. "He meant so much to so many people whose lives he touched. He was a man of great Christian faith and he shared that faith with all who would listen. He was a coach who motivated and inspired young men to reach their potential on and off the playing field.
"Most of all, he was a friend and confidant that I loved as a brother. His illness has been long and hard and I know he is in a better place. All who knew him celebrate his life."
Under Stucky's leadership -- first as director of athletic fitness from 1994-96 and then as assistant AD -- the Vols compiled an 80-16 record (.833) and won the national championship in 1998. They also captured two Southeastern Conference crowns (1997-98) and three Eastern Division titles in the eight-year span.
FORMER VOLS STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH STUCKY DIES IN ARKANSAS
04-13-2007, 07:10 PM
Linear Mode
