RIP: national javelin champ Bill Skinner, 75

[gh]

http://www.utsports.com/sports/c-xctrack/spec-rel/100615aaa.html

[BillVol]

Despite how he was treated by UT, he remained a loyal "Vol For Life." I was told he was a regular at reunions of the team. I'm sad to see him pass. I also remember him for being part-time body guard for Ray Mears, Tennessee's basketball coach.

http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/020205aab.html

[MiamiOhio75]

Met Bill at a small dinner party in 1988. Fascinating gentleman. He told me that he got knifed trying to break up a fight in Knoxville in 1971 and that ended his Olympic hopes for 1972. RIP Bill.

[BillVol]

Here's a good piece by Tom Mattingly, the "Vol Historian."

http://www.knoxnews.com/govolsxtra/other-sports/former-javelin-champion-bill-skinner-dies_74991431