M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1989
Bob Vanatta coached the Tiger basketball team to some of its most remembered games in school history. Vanatta arrived on campus in 1956 to replace coach Eugene Lambert. Over the next six seasons he led his Memphis teams to a combined record of 109-34. Vanatta’s 1956-57 squad posted a record of 24-6 and advanced to the final round of the NIT in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The Dixie Darlings, as they were called by New York media, lost in the championship by one point to Bradley University. Vanatta again led his team to post season play following the 1959-60 and 1960-61 seasons. After both campaigns the Tigers were invited to play in New York in the NIT. During his final year at Memphis State, Vanatta directed his Tigers to an NCAA Tournament bid. He is credited with developing such former stars as Win Wilfong, Lowery Kirk, Jim Hockaday, Skip Wolfe, Wayne Yates and Hunter Beckman.
