Tom DrakeTom Drake, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga mat champ and University of Alabama wrestling coach whose varied career included professional wrestling and politics, died Feb. 2 in Cullman, Ala. He was 86.
While at what was then called the University of Chattanooga in the early 1950s (prior to its affiliation with the University of Tennessee system), Drake was a three-time Southern Conference wrestling champ. Drake qualified for the 1952 Southern Olympic finals in wrestling and advanced to the U.S. Olympic finals in Ames, Iowa. He also played football, participating in two college all-star games -- the Senior Bowl, and the Blue-Gray Game. In 1952 he received UTC's Templeton Trophy for the "Best All-Around Athlete" at Chattanooga for his accomplishments in football, wrestling and track.
After graduating from Chattanooga in 1954, Drake served in the U.S. Army, then launched a long career in professional wrestling. However, while in the squared circle, he did not put aside his academic or athletic career. In 1960, Drake entered law school at the University of Alabama, where he earned a master's and a J.D. from the university's School of Law. During his time there, he served as a student coach for legendary football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. In addition, while at Tuscaloosa, Drake coached Alabama's now-defunct intercollegiate wrestling team as well.
Born Dec. 5, 1930, in Falkville, Ala., Thomas Edwin Drake, in the words of the Cullman Today newspaper upon his passing, "led an illustrious life that included time as an attorney, former professional wrestler, politician, and former member of the athletic staff of Alabama football coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant."
Drake's life intersected with a number of famous historical individuals, much like that of the fictional character Forrest Gump.
Here's how pro wrestling historian Mike Mooneyham described Drake in a tribute published in the Post and Courier newspaper this past weekend:
"The 'Cullman Comet,' as Drake was affectionately known, coached football with the likes of the legendary Paul 'Bear' Bryant, served nine terms in the Alabama state legislature, and even had an audience with the Pope. A chance meeting with a former Golden Gloves boxing champion (and future governor) named George Wallace set him on course for a law degree and an illustrious career in politics that included two terms as (Alabama) Speaker of the House.
"There were very few things Drake didn't do. Farmer, attorney, politician, pilot, wrestler. During the same calendar year, Drake coached Joe Namath in football, met President John F. Kennedy and wrestled Lou Thesz for the NWA world heavyweight title..."
"…But it was in the Alabama legislature where Thomas Edwin Drake made his biggest impact on the lives of those he served (for more than three decades)."
"Never too busy to dispense advice, legal or otherwise, the congenial Drake was a beloved figure in Alabama. He was an advocate who fought for the rights of all, winning landmark cases for working people throughout the state. His down-home political style never changed during his more than three decades in office. He valued integrity above all else, and worked tirelessly to live up to the expectations of his constituents."
In addition to his public service, Drake also practiced personal injury law and general civil law for over 48 years, handling many high-profile cases across Northern Alabama.
Tom Drake was welcomed into at least three different Halls of Fame for his athletic career. In 1992, Drake became the first athlete ever to be tapped for the Hall of Fame at Tennessee-Chattanooga in two sports -- football and wrestling. In 2001, Drake was presented with the Frank Gotch Award at the Tragos-Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, for his more than two decades as a professional wrestler. Seven years later, Drake was the recipient of the Senator Hugh Farley Award, given to an individual who has distinguished himself both inside and outside of the ring, at the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Amsterdam, N.Y.
Drake is survived by three sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife of 56 years, Christine McKoy Drake, who practiced law with him. Funeral services have already been held.
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