August Newsletter - Week 4
Recap
This week we had the privilege of having Dewey Warren or better known as ‘Swamp Rat’ to many. He’s originally from Savannah, GA but came to the University of Tennessee to play football, originally as a linebacker. However, when Coach Doug Dickey came and scrapped the single-wing and changed to a T-formation, he switched to play quarterback and was red-shirted his first year. He played quarterback as #16 at UT from 1965-1967. Many people wonder where the nickname came from. He said he first got his nickname in 1961 during a high school football practice he was late for. His coach said, ‘you’re just like an old swamp rat’ and the name stuck with him ever since then.Dewey went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. Then in 1969 he went on to play for the Las Vegas Cowboys. After playing, he went to coach at Brigham Young University and put in their west coast offense. He was instrumental in creating a new offensive strategy that turned every running play into a passing play that overwhelmed defenses with four and five receivers. This immediately began setting records for the team and until this day they still run this offense with refinements. After BYU, he also coached at Kansas State, University of Tennessee, and University of the South. He went 70-72 while coaching at UT.
After his coaching days were over, he transitioned into sports radio shows for a while, and still does them periodically as well as charity golf tournaments. He said he figured out in the radio business that if you’re nice to people on the radio and don’t ask them the obvious loaded questions, then they will always come back to you again. He joked that after his radio days were over, that his wife sent him back to work because he was playing too much golf. He now works at American Lighting on Kingston Pike part-time…so he can still have time for golf. He is 72 years old now but still has a passion for coaching. His team is coming to Knoxville for a reunion soon and will be recognized at Neyland during a home game. He said he thanks Peyton every time he sees him for getting their number retired!
He passed along a few important things he learned over the years. He said without blocking, tackling, and discipline, a team is not going to win, regardless how good your players are. He said the teams used to be more like families and bond together in the dorms but now they don’t do that anymore and there’s no accountability or discipline. And all of that reflects how the team plays and works together. He said Coach Dickey would stand up at the beginning of every season to read the rules at the first meeting. They had one chance. If they broke the rules, they were gone. He said he didn’t always get along with him great, but he respected what he did. He was tough on them but the kids needed that. He had lots of insight into the football world that was neat to hear about. He was full of funny stories too that kept us laughing! It was a very entertaining meeting and lots of fun!
Thank you Beth for inviting everyone to your house to watch the eclipse! Everyone had a great time and we appreciate your hospitality!
MembershipWe had a big crowd with lots of visitors this week. We had Don Bell with the Anderson County School Board, Jim Charles, visiting from the Oak Ridge Rotary Club, and Tim Thompson. |
Items of InterestWe had the pleasure of meeting the Rotary exchange student this week in person, Zsombar Kovacs from Budapest, Hungary. He was very nice and thankful to be here. Tom would like to remind everyone that they are still in dire need of host homes to provide room and board. If you would like to volunteer, please see Tom.
As a friendly reminder, please review our visitor policy. We love for you to invite and bring guests! However, please remember that you are welcome to invite a potential member for two free visits without paying for their lunch. However, after the second time, the guest is then considered a visitor and you are responsible for paying for their lunch from then on until they join for $8 per person. |
Upcoming SpeakersAugust 29Carmen Tegano – University of Tennessee Assistant Athletic Director September 5No Meeting in observance of Labor Day September 12Charlotte Bowers – Habitat for Humanity |
Rotary Club OfficersBill Gallaher Vickie Violette
Ronnie Fox
Jerry Schlandt
Mike Shrader
Gary Coleman
Tom Connolly
ET Stamey
Bear Stephenson
Leighann Green
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Clinton Rotary Club
Meeting Address: 101 S. Hicks Street Clinton, Tennessee 37716
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 524 Clinton, Tennessee 37717