UWA tabs D2 legend Bobby Wallace as Director of Athletics

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Bobby Wallace has been named Director of Athletics at the University of West Alabama, according to an announcement today by University President Ken Tucker.

“We are excited to announce the selection of Bobby Wallace as the next Director of Athletics at the University of West Alabama,” Tucker said. “Coach Wallace brings a wealth of accomplishments at the highest level with him to UWA, and we are confident that under Bobby’s leadership our recent athletic successes will continue to grow exponentially.

“Coach Wallace is a person of integrity, honesty, and character who has achieved unprecedented athletic success, while caring deeply for his coaches, staff, and student-athletes,” Tucker said. “We are so fortunate to have someone of Bobby’s national stature and impeccable reputation to lead our athletic program to even greater heights.”

This is Wallace’s second stint at West Alabama. He served as the Tigers head football coach from 2006-10, laying the cornerstone for the success the program has enjoyed over the last few years, including three Gulf South Conference championships since 2012.

“Sharon and I are very excited for the opportunity to return to Livingston,” Wallace said. “First of all, I have to thank Dr. Tucker and the Board of Trustees for their confidence and support.

“I am truly looking forward to working with this group of UWA coaches, athletic administration, Tiger alumni and the community,” Wallace said. “I have always said that the biggest and best asset of UWA is its people and I look forward to working with them.”

During a 40-year coaching career, 28 as a head coach in both NCAA Division I and Division II, Wallace accomplishments include: three consecutive Division II national championships (93, 94, 95); 11-time Division II football playoff participant; GSC and Division II Coach of the Quarter Century (1972-1997), member of the Division II Football, GSC, Alabama Sports, and UNA Sports Halls of Fame; the winningest coach in GSC history (152 victories), National Coach of the Year three times, GSC Coach of the Year four times, and the only coach to win seven GSC Championships.

Wallace’s three national championships tie him for the most championships by any coach in the division’s 39-year history. Those 1993-95 UNA teams put together an impressive 41-1 record, making him the first coach in college football history to win 40 games in just three seasons.

He was a multi-sport athlete at Callaway High School in Jackson, Mississippi, lettering three years each in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He also earned prep All-America honors before enrolling at Mississippi State University.

Wallace was a three-year starter at Mississippi State as a defensive back while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1976.

Sharon and Bobby have three children: Robert, Lindsey and Blake. The Wallace’s have four grandchildren.