University of Memphis Athletics
M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1999
John Murray Armstrong served the University of Memphis athletic department for 46 years. Hired in 1962 by former head coach Billy J. Murphy, he worked for nine head coaches during his tenure. Since his first year of service, Armstrong was involved in virtually every facet of collegiate football at the University of Memphis. He worked as freshman coach, varsity defensive end coach, kicking coach, special teams coach, academic advisor, administrative aid, athletic dorm advisor and facilities coordinator. The versatile Somerville, Tennessee, native even worked for one year as the head tennis coach for the University. A 1961 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Armstrong was a first team all-Southeastern Conference and all-Academic SEC selection in football in 1961. He was a three-year football letterman and earned his degree in sociology and biology from Tennessee and later received his master’s degree at Memphis. Armstrong passed away in November of 2008 only moments after the Tigers’ final football game of the season. The Murray Armstrong Award has been created and is to be presented during the Hall of Fame ceremonies.
