Feb. 20, 2007
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| Commodore Head Coach Bobby Johnson, center, shown with Vanderbilt’s newest inductees to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame – former head coach Fred Pancoast, left, and former offensive line standout Will Wolford. |
Nashville, Tenn. – Former Vanderbilt Football Head Coach Fred Pancoast and Commodore standout offensive lineman Will Wolford were among the 2007 inductees into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Pancoast, a native of Pensacola, Fla., who coached the Commodores from 1975-78, and Wolford, a first team All-Southeastern Conference tackle in 1985, were recognized at the Hall of Fame’s induction ceremonies Feb. 15 at the Nashville Convention Center.
Two current Vanderbilt student-athletes, baseball hurler David Price and women’s tennis standout Tara Bertrand, also were honored. Price and Bertrand were named male and female amateur athletes of the year, respectively.
Pancoast, who continues to reside in Nashville, was supported by dozens of well-wishers at the induction banquet. A graduate of the University of Tampa, Pancoast began his collegiate coaching career in 1959 at his alma mater. Four years later, he was named assistant coach and offensive coordinator at the University of Florida, mentoring quarterback Steve Spurrier to the 1966 Heisman Trophy. He later served in the same capacity at Georgia before accepting the head coaching post at Memphis State in 1972. Three years later, he replaced Steve Sloan at Vanderbilt.
Pancoast’s Commodore squads compiled an overall 13-31 record, including a 7-4 campaign in 1975 that ended with a 17-14 victory at Tennessee. After leaving the Vanderbilt post, Pancoast started a new career in human resources, and presently owns Pancoast & Pancoast Associates, a successful Nashville-based employee benefits firm with clients nationwide.
Pancoast has also given plenty of his personal time to benefit less fortunate individuals. He has also been instrumental in establishing the Buffalo Valley Treatment Center, one of the largest independent alcohol and drug treatment centers in the Southeast, and was a driving force in the creation of the “Room in the Inn” program that that serves and houses thousands of homeless people in the Nashville area.
Wolford, known to Commodore fans as “The Tractor” for his fierce determination and brilliant blocking abilities, is regarded at the finest Vanderbilt offensive lineman of the modern era. Wolford worked his way into the Commodore starting offense midway through his freshman season, and never relinquished the position. He played guard and tackle during his career. In Wolford’s freshman season, the Commodores went 8-3 during the regular season, advancing to the 1982 Hall of Fame Bowl.
Described by Commodore Head Coach George MacIntyre as “the best lineman in the country,” Wolford impressed scouts while playing in the Senior Bowl and Blue-Gray Classic, and was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 20th pick of the NFL Draft.
Wolford played 14 years in the NFL, enjoying successful stints with the Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts. He was a three-time NFL Pro Bowler, and appeared in three Super Bowls.
Wolford and his family reside in Louisville, Ky., where he is owner/operator of the Louisville Fire arena2 league football team, member of the Colts’ radio broadcast team, and owner of several thoroughbred racehorses.