One of the most pivotal moments in Russell Vollmer’s life came in 1956 at Fairview Junior High School in Memphis, when he was playing a football game as a ninth-grader. It was the kind of event which brings out the true character of an individual.
During the game, Vollmer’s father passed away in the stands. The game was stopped, and Vollmer joined his family on the sidelines, where he then decided to continue playing, feeling that “this is what my father would have wanted.” As you might imagine, this young man of high integrity went on to great heights in and beyond the athletic arena.
At Central High School, Vollmer was All-Memphis in football, basketball, and baseball. Out of high school, he was offered a bonus to sign with the Boston Red Sox but opted for college at Memphis State University, where he played both football and baseball.
As quarterback for three seasons, Vollmer led the Tigers to a combined 26-3-1 record, with top-twenty national rankings in 1962 and 1963. Vollmer’s baseball career was outstanding as well. Playing centerfield for four years, he had a career batting average of .385.
Since graduating, Vollmer has remained in Memphis as a successful businessman. A member of both the University of Memphis M Club and the Memphis Amateur Sports halls of fame, Russell Vollmer’s success and exemplary character as an athlete, businessman, and person make him a proud addition to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.