Austin Peay State University Athletics

A football, basketball and baseball star at Austin Peay from 1939-1941, who excelled in basketball and led Coach Brown’s unbeaten 1939-40 team. Called by Brown the best athlete he ever coached. Austin Peay was 47-12 in basketball during his three years as playmaking guard. Played both pitcher and first baseman for the baseball team. Averaged in double figures in basketball on very balanced team, when scores were generally much lower and the game much more controlled. Came to Austin Peay after making All-City in basketball at Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville and distinguished five-year career in the very-tough independent leagues of the time, which were composed mostly of college all-stars. Played on 1935 Southern AAU Championship team for General Shoe Corporation. A teammate of Middle Tennessee Athletic Director Charles “Blubber” Murphy during these early years. Led General Shoe Company to exhibition win over Austin Peay in 1938 and was discovered by Brown. Was recruited by Adolph Rupp at Kentucky and Hank Crisp at Alabama. Entered Air Force in 1941 and served 23 years before retiring as Lt. Colonel. Came back to Austin Peay to finish degree in 1967. His son, Andy Toombs, was two-time All-OVC football choice at Austin Peay in mid 1960’s.