2007 Inductee

Kyle "Buddy" Cruze

A native of Knoxville, Cruze was one of the state's all time premier high school athletes. He played for Knoxville High School and East High School and lettered in football, basketball and track in 1950, '51 and '52.

He is the only Tennessee athlete ever to be named Captain (MVP) of both the All-State football and basketball teams. Cruze was a High School All-American in both basketball and football and was named All State for both sports.

Cruze set numerous state high school records at the rime. His records included most free throws made in a game (10), most points scored in the tournament (106), most points scored in one game (47), most rebounds in one game (25). His record for most points in one game stood for 41 years before being broken.

Cruze played college ball for Southern Methodist University in 1952 and then transferred to the University of Tennessee where he lettered in football in 1954, '55 and '56. Cruze played both basketball and football for the University. Cruze was an All-SEC and All-American football selection in 1956. He led the team in receiving in 1955 and 1956 with 12 catches for 232 yards his junior season and 20 catches for 357 yards his senior year. He became the all time record holder for both receptions and yardage.

In one of the most exciting games in UT football history, Cruze had a particularly good game. The Vols played Georgia Tech in 1956 while both teams were nationally ranked #1 and #2; Cruze made the two key plays on the only scoring drive of the day. In the third quarter, he caught a 16-yarder from tailback Johnny Majors for a first down at the Tech 46 and caught a 35-yarder that moved the ball to the Tech 1. Cruze caught all three passes the Vols completed that November day at Grant Field. The Volunteers won the game 6-0.

 

Cruze played offense and defense in the 1956 Sugar Bowl for the SEC Championship Tennessee team ranked 4th nationally. Cruze played for the college All Stars in the annual game against the NFL Champs in 1957.

He played in the NFL during the 1957 and '58 season for the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Colts.

Buddy Cruze and his family still make their home in Knoxville, Tennessee where he is very active in his community. Cruze has been inducted into the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.