Hall of Fame
Mears lettered two years as a forward at Miami, but has made his basketball reputation as a coach. He guided Wittenberg to a six-year record of 121-23. His 1961 team captured the NCAA college division national title and for four straight years posted the best defensive average in the country. Along with his years with the Vols, Mears won three Southeastern Conference titles.
Upon taking over at Tennessee in 1962, Mears posted a record of 278-112. He led Tennessee to three Southeastern Conference titles and seven post-season tournaments. His 21-year coaching record of 399-135 stands for a winning percentage of .747. In 1996 Mears was awarded the Hillyard Golden Anniversary Award for 50 years of service, by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Besides coining the phrase, "Big Orange Country", Mears was given the name, "Barnum of Basketball".
After retiring from coaching in 1977, Mears soon returned to Tennessee to become the athletic director in 1980. He was inducted into the Miami Hall of Fame in 1978.
