Hall of Fame
A native of Zolfo Springs, FL, Tom Dillard came to Austin Peay as a transfer from Southern Arkansas University in 1963. A graduate of Hardee County High School, Dillard played football for the 1964 and 1965 Governors which posted 8-1-1 and 8-1-0 records. He served as alternate captain in 1964 and was named second-team All-OVC end finishing the season with 58 total tackles (24 unassisted and 34 assisted) and one pass reception for 17 yards. Tom served as captain of the 1965 team and was named first-team All-OVC tackle completing the season with 48 tackles (21 unassisted and 27 assisted) and a 91-yard touchdown on an interception in the 38-6 victory over Western Kentucky. The pilfer by Dillard, who was drafted by the Houston Oilers, with 22 seconds left in the half was the 11th longest interception play during the 1965 collegiate football season. A 1967 graduate of Austin Peay with a major in health, physical education and recreation, Tom served as a graduate assistant coach in football during the 1966-69 seasons. After receiving a master’s degree from APSU in 1970, Dillard served as a graduate assistant football coach at Eastern Kentucky University in 1970. He earned an Ed.S. degree from Eastern in 1971 before joining the faculty of Memphis State University, where he served as an assistant professor of health and physical education through 1975. Tom has served as director of the highly successful Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department since 1976. Under his leadership the department has constructed a softball complex, a tennis center and three community centers to become one of the most comprehensive recreation departments in the southeast. He is married to the former Camille Buck of Clarksville. They have two children, Laura and Leslie.
