The University of Tennessee men’s track and field program has a rich tradition of success. But veteran Head Coach Doug Brown had never seen a season as dramatic as 1990-1991, which culminated with a victory in the 1991 NCAA Outdoor Championships. “It was like everything we touched turned to gold,” Brown said. The Vols captured the SEC triple crown, sweeping the 1990 cross country, indoor, and outdoor titles. At the 1991 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Tennessee was down by nine points to co-favorite Washington State on the final day, with the Cougars having their strongest events remaining. Miraculously, the Volunteers came from behind to win. UT had ten squad members garner All-America honors, including Todd Williams (5,000- and 10,000-meters), Aric Long (decathlon champion), John Richardson (javelin), Randy Jenkins (high jump), Brian Brophy (decathlon), Tony Parrilla (800-meters), Rich Fulford (pole vault), Matt Shelton (decathlon), Kevin Fitzpatrick (discus), and Rodney Thompson (110 hurdles). As a source of special pride for all Tennesseans, it should also be noted that the Volunteer track and field team placed ten squad members on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, more than any other university.
