Sam Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award

Named in honor of Hall of Famer Sam Bailey, this award is presented at each Hall of Fame induction ceremony to the individual who has provided exceptional service to UT in the following areas: employment, financial support, voluntary service, or as a lifetime fan of Spartan athletics.

Bailey began his collegiate coaching career as the head basketball coach at The University of Tampa. He also served as the head line coach for the football team. In 1952, he became the head baseball coach, relinquishing his basketball duties in 1955. He was named assistant athletic director at UT in 1957, and four years later, he was appointed athletic business manager and public relations director in the athletic department. He was named athletic director in 1962 and became the school’s ninth head football coach in 1964.

In December of 1967, Bailey assumed the sole duties of athletic director, leading the Spartans among the athletic powers in the South. In 1971 Bailey was named UT’s special assistant to the president for athletic affairs. Inducted to the UT Athletics Hall of Fame in 1966, Bailey would continue to support UT until his death on September 22, 2010, at 86 years old.

Following is a list of winners of the award

Class of 2004

Sam Bailey

Class of 2006

Gene King and Barbara King

Class of 2008

Tom McEwen

Class of 2010

Rick Thomas

Class of 2012

Tino Gonzalez

Class of 2014

Tampa High School Coaching Legends John Crumbley, Pop Cuesta, Frank Permuy and Jim Macaluso

Classs of 2016

Ozzie Timmons

Class of 2018

Vince Naimoli

Class of 2022

Rick Gillis

Class of 2024

Dr. Ronald L. Vaughn

Class of 2025

Tony Saladino, Jr.