To all those familiar with Tennessee Tech athletics over the past four decades, the name Hooper Eblen rings a familiar note. For it was Eblen, more than any individual, who solidified the Golden Eagle’s presence and prominence in the Ohio Valley Conference. Eblen began his career at Tech in 1941 coming from Tennessee Wesleyan, and other than a two-year period of military service during World War II, he served as Tech’s head basketball coach as well as assistant football coach. In 1947 he was named head football coach. In 1964 Eblen was named Athletic Director at Tech and served in that capacity until his retirement ten years later. During his tenure as Athletic Director, Tennessee Tech won 21 Ohio Valley Conference Championships or Co-Championships. He was instrumental in planning the Golden Eagle’s present athletic facilities, including the construction of the 16,500-seat Overall Field and the Health, Education, and Convocation Center. Eblen served as secretary of the Ohio Valley Conference prior to the league hiring a full-time commissioner, and was president of the conference during the 1966-67 academic year. He was a charter member of the Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame being inducted in 1977. When he retired in 1974, Eblen had served Tennessee Tech University for 33 years. He died in June, 1976.
