M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1983
Ed Hammonds, who is one of the most renowned track sprinter in the school’s history, is a two-time NCAA National Champion for Memphis. A native of Madison, Alabama, Hammonds grew-up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and graduated from Howard High School in 1968. He signed a track scholarship with former Memphis head coach Glenn Hays and arrived in Memphis in the fall of 1969. From 1969 through 1973, Hammonds would lead his Tiger teammates to some of the greatest track moments in school history. As a junior, Hammonds joined teammates Maurice Knight, Lynn Fox and Norman Williams to form an outstanding 440-relay team. During the spring of ‘72, the relay team placed third in the Florida Relays, won the Dogwood Relays in Knoxville, won the Tom Black Classic, won the Missouri Valley Conference and set a Valley record for the 440 relay at :39.6. Hammond also won the Missouri Valley title in the 100 yard dash with a time of :09.4. The unit was invited to the California Relays and placed second and only a dropped baton kept the group out of the NCAA Finals. The 1973 season was much of the same, except that Clif and Ed Taylor would lend their talents in place of Williams. The Tigers again won the Florida Relays, won the Penn Invitational, placed second in the Missouri Valley Conference Championships. The squad qualified for the NCAA Track Championships, where with the help of Ed Taylor, won the NCAA National Championship in the 440 relay. Hammond also won the National Championship in the 100 yard dash. Following up the NCAA title, the relay team entered the AAU National Championships and again won the 440 relay. Hammonds was selected to be a member of the USA Team for the World University Games in 1974 and ran all over the world. A business administration degree holder, Hammonds has a career in the banking industry.
