Temple University Athletics
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH BOBBY WALLACE TO BE INDUCTED INTO ALABAMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME THIS SATURDAY
5.13.04 | Football
Wallace is one of eight honorees to be enshrined as members of the Hall's 2004 class and one of three in the football category. He is joined by former University of Alabama gridiron greats Bobby Humphrey and Cornelius Bennett in the football section.
"This is truly an honor, and perhaps the highest honor I have received considering the history of college football in Alabama," said Wallace. "To have an understanding of the outstanding coaches and players that have formed the fabric of collegiate football in the state, and to be included among them, is very humbling."
Other college football coaches that have been inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame include Paul "Bear" Bryant, John Heisman, Pat Dye and Gene Stallings.
Named head coach at the University of North Alabama in 1987, Wallace led the Lions to the top of the Division II ranks, as the school became the first in the history of NCAA football at any level to win three straight national championships. From 1993-95, UNA had a combined 41-1 record, making North Alabama the first team in the history of collegiate football to win as many as 40 games in three seasons. For his efforts, Wallace was selected as the NCAA Division II Football Coach of the Quarter Century (1973-97) as well as the Gulf South Conference Coach of the Quarter Century (1972-96).
At UNA, Wallace became the winningest coach in Division II playoff history (13-2) and one of only five coaches in an NCAA playoff system (Division 1-AA, II and III levels) to have won as many as three national titles. He is also just one of four coaches to have received the American Football Coaches Association award three times or more (1993-95).
Wallace also served as the defensive backs coach at Auburn from 1981-85, where he is credited with the recruitment of Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson.
Wallace was named Temple University's 23rd Head Football Coach on December 7, 1997. The 2004 season will mark his seventh directing the Cherry & White.
