2000 Posthumous Inductee

Phil Dickens

If you saw him play or listened to stories told about him, you might have known Phil Dickens better as "Phantom Phil." Phil Dickens, a native of Hartsville, was a triple threat tailback during his career at the University of Tennessee (1934-36).

His running style was such he was dubbed "Phantom Phil" during his time on "The Hill." While at Tennessee, Dickens was named the outstanding sophomore in the SEC, and was All-SEC his senior season. He was named Tennessee's outstanding athlete during his four years in school.

Dickens served as head football coach at the University of Indiana from 1957-64, one of three head coaching assignments during this career. In 1958, he guided the Hoosiers to a 5-3-1 record and was named Midwest Coach of The Year. He was voted third in the National Coach of the year balloting.

He also served as head football coach at Wyoming and Wofford. Dickens led Wyoming to an undefeated season and the Skyline Conference title in 1956. His over-all mark was 86-67-11 over a 16-year period.

Dickens was inducted into the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame in January 1974. He died November 16, 1983.