Vergil Parks McKinley (2012) - Hall of Fame

Vergil Parks McKinley

Induction:
2012

Three national championships. Twenty conference titles. Thirty-four All-Americans. The history of Troy football is filled with tradition throughout every era of the program dating back to its founding in the early 1900’s until the recent run of five Sun Belt Conference championships and five bowl appearances.

The proud history of Troy football can be traced back to one man, Vergil Parks McKinley.

Edwin Rithven Eldridge, who was the President of the then called Troy Normal School, charged McKinley with the task of fielding the first football team in the school’s history in 1909. Fourteen young men tried out for the inaugural squad and McKinley, who was a professor at the College, kept 11 for his historic team that adopted the nickname “Teachers.”

“Every great journey begins with a first step,” Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., said. “Dr. Vergil Parks McKinley was the driving force behind Troy University’s first steps into intercollegiate athletics. As a member of the faculty, he believed athletic competition is a fundamental component of a well-rounded institution of higher education. Dr. McKinley left an indelible mark on Troy University and will be known forever as the ‘Father of Athletics’ at Troy University.”

McKinley’s group of trailblazers set the standard for all Troy teams to follow during their three-game schedule. His squad finished with one win and two ties in that first season in which they did not allow a point in two scoreless ties against Union Springs and a 6-0 victory over the Edgar School.

McKinley coached just the 1909 season, but his only season set the foundation for future success. The Teachers posted a winning record in eight of the following 10 seasons before going on to win National Championships under fellow Troy University Sports Hall of Fame inductee Billy Atkins in 1968, Chan Gailey in 1984 and Rick Rhoades in 1987.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, McKinley returned to his alma mater in 1918 as a faculty member where he remained until his retirement in 1945. His impact was so strong at both Universities that Troy and Alabama both award a Vergil Parks McKinley Employee Award on a regular basis.

The award at Troy is presented to a non-faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding attitude, innovation and work ethic. The award was established by John McKinley who is the son of Vergil Parks McKinley and the former CEO of Texaco.

McKinley passed away on July 3, 1954.