M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1974
Zach Curlin is considered by many the “father of Memphis athletics”. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Curlin attended Christian Brothers and the Webb School where he excelled in athletics. He entered Vanderbilt University in 1910 and played quarterback and kicker for the Vanderbilt football team. After receiving his degree, Curlin began a coaching career at Castle Heights before moving on to Hendrix College and then arriving at West Tennessee State Teachers College in 1924. He served as athletic director from 1924 until 1937 and was the head football coach from 1924 through the 1936 season. He produced an overall record of 43-60-14 with his football squads and his 1929 team became the first undefeated football team in school history with a record of 8-0-2. Curlin coached the Tutor basketball teams for 23 seasons, 1924-48, and compiled an overall mark of 173-184. His victories remain ranked third all-time among Tiger coaches. In addition to his other duties, Curlin served as the baseball coach for ten seasons and posted a record of 48-52-3. He officially retired from the University of Memphis in 1960 but continued to travel the Mid-South as a football official. Curlin died in June of 1970.
