TONY POLYCHRONIS

Tony Polychronis 1938 ~ 2010 Anthony (Tony) Polychronis Jr. died Nov. 24, 2010 in Salt Lake City. He was born to Anthony and Sophie Kyriopoulos Polychronis, May 9, 1938, in Park City, youngest of five children. He was big, strong and fierce. He helped South High win its first state football championship, and became an all-conference guard at the University of Utah. He played in the Hula Bowl and the Shrine Game, was recruited by the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders, and played professionally for the Toronto Argonauts. He had throughout his life the presence of a down lineman. Tony joined Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and defined the spirit of the house. He was smart, funny, irreverent, convivial, and loyal, a fearsome goat master, a story teller, always ready to stay up until morning and talk with his friends. When he died, old PiKaps circulated an e-mail: "The Great Man is dead." He received a B.A. and M.A. from the U, served in the Peace Corps in Cyprus, coached football at Lompoc High in California, Highland High, the University of Utah, Westminster College, and Boise State University. He sold real estate, and worked for the Salt Lake County Assessor's Office. With the on-air name of "The Old Man," Tony hosted the "Bluegrass Express" on Radio KRCL, and became Utah's Bluegrass impresario, promoting concerts, and organizing festivals. Tony knew 70 years of songs, led singing at parties, and sometimes played the guitar, with more enthusiasm than musicianship. As a Ute football fan, Tony traveled with the team, served as a spotter for Bill Marcroft broadcasts, organized coaches' camps and clinics, and was a founding member of the Crimson Club. He felt unable to attend games at BYU, as campus police there were still on the lookout for him. Tony's parents and his brother Johnny died before him. His brother Tom and sisters Theresa and Elaine still live. Special thanks to Dave Keller, Mike Evans and Sue Taylor for friendship and visits during his declining years. A celebration of Tony's life will be Monday, Dec. 6, at Rice Eccles Stadium Tower, Gate C. Open house 1:30 p.m., Memorial 2:15 p.m., free parking in West Stadium lot. Donations may be made in Tony's name to the Crimson Club, or the Parkinson's Foundation in Research Park.