PR, sports legend at Tennessee Gus Manning dead at 99

A historic figure who roamed the University of Tennessee campus and worked behind the scenes has died.

Gus Manning was a UT grad and began his career as a sports information director in Knoxville as a hire of football coach General Robert Neyland in the 1950s. But he also worked in every facet of sports from ticket taker to concessions to working with 11 coaches until his retirement in 2000.

Memorial plans will be announced this week. Manning was 99. The official release from UT Knoxville on the accomplishments of Manning is available here.

A legendary loss for Vol Nation, but how fortunate we were to have Gus Manning a part of Vol history for so many years. You will forever be a hall of famer at UT and have left a legacy that will span countless generations. Sending my deepest condolences. https://t.co/9bICLUMZr4

— UT System President Randy Boyd (@UT_President) February 13, 2023

(PHOTO: Courtesy of University of Tennessee / UT Athletics)