L. Philip “Phil” Beene is among the legends of General Robert Neyland’s University of Tennessee Volunteer football teams. An outstanding player at UT, Beene was a member of Neyland’s “Flaming Sophomore” team, the amazing sophomores who dominated the 1928 undefeated Volunteers. Beene’s accomplishments beyond his football heroics were just as impressive. He was the champion heavyweight wrestler at UT in 1931, defeating Herman Hickman. After college, Beene remained in the gridiron world as the head coach at South Pittsburg, and his record is legendary. His teams won 148 games, lost thirty-seven, and were tied nineteen times. His record reveals a remarkable seven undefeated seasons, five Tennessee Valley Conference championships, four Sequatchie Valley Conference championships, and Coach of the Year honors several times. In addition, Beene was one of his hometown’s civic leaders and served as its mayor from 1976 until his death in 1979. Although Phil Beene is no longer with us, the brilliant part he played in the magical history of UT football is his legacy and will remain forever.
