Mack Tharpe
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mercer McCall "Mack" Tharpe (July 12, 1903 – February 21, 1945) was a college football player and coach, bomber pilot, and insurance salesman.[1] He was killed in action during the Second World War.[2]
BornJuly 12, 1903
Moultrie, Georgia, U.S.
Moultrie, Georgia, U.S.
DiedFebruary 21, 1945 (aged 41)
North Pacific Ocean, off Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, Empire of Japan
North Pacific Ocean, off Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, Empire of Japan
AlmamaterGeorgia Institute of Technology
1925–1926Georgia Tech
Tharpe in 1925 | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 12, 1903 Moultrie, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | February 21, 1945 (aged 41) North Pacific Ocean, off Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, Empire of Japan |
| Alma mater | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Playing career | |
| 1925–1926 | Georgia Tech |
| Position | T |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1928-1941 | Georgia Tech (assistant) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| All-Southern (1926) Tech Athletic Hall of Fame | |
Georgia Tech
Tharpe was a prominent tackle for William Alexander's Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team, selected All-Southern in 1926.[3]
He returned to his alma mater to coach in 1928, promoted to line coach in 1934.[1] In 1931, he sought a scouting report on North Carolina, and Robert Neyland had Bobby Dodd explain the defense to him.[4]
Along with Alexander he is the namesake of the Alexander-Tharpe fund.[5] Tharpe was inducted into the Georgia Tech Athletics Hall of Fame in 1961.[6]
