By TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – One of the more consistent and selfless men to represent the Tennessee Tech golf team, former Golden Eagle Bobby Hudson built many memories in his time on the links under the tutelage of Hall of Fame coach Bobby Nichols.
Hudson passed away Friday, Sept. 6 at the age of 52, but will never be forgotten for the man he was and the contributions he made on the course during an historic season in 1989-90.
There was much more at stake than the Ohio Valley Conference championship when Coach Nichols sent the Golden Eagle men's golf team onto the Old Hickory Country Club for the 1990 OVC Tournament. The veteran coach told his players that a first place finish by the golf team would also clinch the OVC Men's All-Sports Trophy.
Nichols wasn't worried about the added pressure on his team; the 1990 Golden Eagles featured a veteran lineup including Hall of Famer Tom Pack and Hudson, both fifth-year seniors.
Those two, who had each spent a redshirt season the previous year, were back on the course for one final year in 1989-90. Already they had combined to help the Golden Eagles capture 11 tournament championships, including five during 1989-90.
The team was projected for a third place finish, but with Pack (208) capturing medalist honors and Hudson (209) finishing second – one shot back – the Golden Eagles won their sixth title of the year, their first OVC championship in 35 years, and secured the University's first All-Sports championship.
Hudson played four seasons for the Golden Eagles between 1985 and 1990, earning all-tournament honors 11 times. Of the five players with as many or more all-tournament awards during their careers, three (Scott Stallings, Pack and Jim Cornelius) are in the Hall of Fame.
In addition to his 10 all-tourney honors, Hudson also posted one medalist finish, capturing first place at the 1987 Shorter Classic in Rome, Ga., edging teammate Jim Cornelius on the third playoff hole.
A Kingsport native who attended Dobyns-Bennett High School, Hudson began his Tech career in the 1985-86 season and ranked sixth on the team. He was a regular in the five-man lineup as a sophomore and junior, before sitting out a season to concentrate on developing his game.
Hudson received his bachelor's degree in marketing from Tech in 1990. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Mrs. Leslie Morris Hudson, children, Josh and Erica Hudson, and siblings, Joy Rhoton, Linda Cancro, Jimmy Hudson, Ricky Hudson and Trish Nottingham.
