THE FLATS – Douglas “Buddy” Fowlkes, who coached 12 track and field NCAA National Champions at Georgia Tech for 28 years, passed away on Tuesday in Atlanta. He was 93 years old.
Buddy is one of the most accomplished coaches in Georgia Tech history. He coached track and field from 1965-1993. During his time on The Flats, he coached one three-time Olympic medalist, two world record holders, 12 NCAA National Champions, 61 All-Americans, 88 ACC Champions, and 136 All-ACC Honorees.
Fowlkes has been long recognized as one of the greatest track and field coaches. He is a part of the USTFCCCA Hall of Fame Class of 2005 and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Class of 1988. Buddy was twice named the ACC Coach of the Year and was named the 1985 NCAA Indoor Southeast Coach of the Year and the 1987 Outdoor Southeast Coach of the Year.
While Buddy has coached many great athletes during his time, Antonio McKay is the sole Olympian he coached. McKay won gold at the 1984 Los Angeles games and the 1988 Seoul games in the 4x400m relay. McKay also took bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles games in the 400m.
“Yesterday, we all lost a great Georgia Tech man and an outstanding Georgia Tech coach,” men’s track and field head coach Grover Hinsdale said. “I, as many have, lost a dear friend and mentor. He touched so many lives in a positive way. He will be sincerely and deeply missed. We will continue to lift Vicki and all of his family up in prayer.”
Buddy Fowlkes in Photos
In addition to an illustrious coaching career, Fowlkes was an accomplished athlete on the track. He was the captain of the 1949 Georgia Tech track team. Buddy won high point honors in three SEC track & field meets and he set the SEC all-time individual high-point honors that stood for 33 years. Fowlkes also won the SEC long jump title three times.
His best performances as a collegiate athlete were 6-1 ½ in the high jump, 23.2 in the 220y low hurdles, 23-11 in the long jump, 20.8 in the 220-yard run and 9.6 in the 100-yard dash. Fowlkes also ran a 9.5 in the 100-yard dash in the 1962 Georgia AAU meet at 34 years old, a world record for that age.
Fowlkes was involved in all things Atlanta. Buddy was a founder of the Atlanta Track Club and he served as a member of the city council for 32 years and was a member of the city’s first board of alderman. Buddy was a key player in bringing the 1996 Olympics to Atlanta.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Vicki Fowlkes.
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