Austin Peay State University Athletics

Football and Men's Basketball

Inducted 1986-87

Andy Tooms is the last of the major two-sport stars to appear in an Austin Peay uniform. The former Rantoul (Ill.) High School star came to Austin Peay after playing one season on Vanderbilt’s freshman football team. He arrived at APSU in the 1964-65 season as a defensive back and wide receiver, only to have his initial season ended just two games into the football season. Recovering from that shoulder injury, he walked on for the basketball team, becoming a defensive stalwart and strong rebounder despite standing just 6-3. He averaged 5.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in his initial season. At school year’s end, Toombs was selected the Crow Award recipient, annually presented to Austin Peay’s most versatile athlete. He was to receive the award for three straight years. As a junior, he again played offensive end and defensive back and helped head the Govs to an 8-1 record. However, he made his mark on defense, earning All-OVC honors after intercepting six passes. He returned to the basketball court later in the year, being part of a team that posted a 14-9 record. He averaged 5.6 points and 4.9 rebounds. He saved his best football performance for his senior season. He caught 26 passes for 499 yards and two TDs. Although he intercepted just one pass, the league’s respect netted Toombs his second straight All-OVC selection at defensive back. He returned to the basketball court to finish up his third season as an integral part of the APSU basketball team. He remained at APSU the following two seasons to serve as a football graduate assistant in charge of the freshman team, head track coach and later intramural director. His next step was Manatee High School in Bradenton, Fla., where he served as an assistant football coach. Three seasons later he was named Bay Shore High School athletic director and head football coach, twice earning conference and county “Coach of the Year.” He was named Florida State High School Coach of the Year in 1980.