October 26, 2011

James "Red" McMillan to join TTU Sports Hall of Fame

A four-year member of the Tennessee Tech football team, James “Red” McMillan was part of the historic Golden Eagle squad that took home four consecutive Ohio Valley Conference titles. On Nov. 4, he will be one of five inducted into the TTU Sports Hall of Fame.

Induction is Friday, Nov. 4 at Hall of Fame Dinner

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- A four-year member of the Tennessee Tech football team, James “Red” McMillan was part of the historic Golden Eagle squad that took home four consecutive Ohio Valley Conference titles, from 1958-61, under coach Wilburn Tucker.

In recognition of his success as a Golden Eagle, McMillan is one of five people who will be enshrined into the Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Nov. 4, as the school honors its athletic legacy with the 37th annual induction ceremony.

The 2011 Hall of Fame Class will be honored during Homecoming weekend, Nov. 4-5. The induction will take place at the Hall of Fame Dinner Friday evening, and the group will also be recognized at the Homecoming football game Saturday against Murray State.

McMillan began his career at Tech playing at the tackle position, but a few games into his freshman season he moved over to guard, and would start every game during the rest of his TTU career.

Nicknamed “Redbone” for his tough demeanor on the field, McMillan was named all-OVC following his final season in 1961, where he a member of the fearsome “Big Four.” The “Big Four” included McMillan and TTU Hall of Fame members Lowell Smith, Dave Baxter and Rudy Schmittou, who made up the right side of the Tech line. The widely feared bunch were all named to the all-OVC Team in 1961.

With Red’s dogged blocking abilities, Tech compiled a 28-11-2 overall record, including a gaudy 22-1-1 mark in OVC play. He also helped the 1960 team reach the Tangerine Bowl.

During his time at Tennessee Tech, Red participated in the ROTC program and after graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. He served out of Fort Benning, Ga., for two years and was a member of the 11^th Air Assault Test Division, which developed the concept of rapid deployment of troops via helicopters. He received a citation for outstanding leadership.

After his military service, Red moved on to his main love, which is cars. He has built and modified several stock cars that have won many races. In 1975, Red began to build boats and has worked for a boat-building company for the last 35 years.

After graduating from Tech in 1962 with a degree in Industrial Technology, Red – who was named Mr. Tennessee Tech as a senior -- married his wife, Linnie, who were named Miss Tennessee Tech the same year. Red and Linnie had two children Tabitha and Teresa, and one grandchild.

Joining McMillan in the Class of 2011 are fellow football Ralph Broyles and Chad Evitts, volleyball standout Angie Duncan and tennis record-setter Esra Bayburt. With their induction, the Hall of Fame will grow to 159 since it was established in 1975.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame Dinner and the Homecoming football game are available by calling (931) 372-3940, or through the Athletics ticket office in Eblen Center. Reservations must be made for the dinner, and tickets are $25 each. Reservations may also be made online at TTUsports.com.