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Ray Mears Obituary
In the mid-1970s, Mears coached future NBA players Ernie Grunfeld and Bernard King. Mears' teams went 278-112 at Tennessee between 1962 and 1978.
Under Mears, the Vols won or shared Southeastern Conference titles in 1967, 1972 and 1977. The 1967 championship was the school's first in 24 years. Three of his teams made the NCAA tournament before it expanded.
He had coached at Wittenberg, Ohio, and compiled a record of 121-23, including the Division II national title in 1961.
Mears was known for his promotional flair. He spearheaded the idea of "Big Orange Country" as the designated region for school support, reveled in wearing bright orange blazers and enjoyed parading along the sideline to agitate opponents.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
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