Coach Ray Bussard passed away last evening in Knoxville, Tennessee. If anyone had the pleasure to know Coach Bussard, he was a very colorful, loud, and gracious man. His opponents both feared and loathed him. He was always looking for a loophole in the rules to gain an advantage. Respected and loved by his swimmers, he will be missed.
"The strong oak bends to sudden wind,
and strengthens in the calm.
But you my friend
must climb those limbs,
and pluck the fruit from spoil."
Rest in peace Coach Bussard.
Parents
Former Member
My first ever swim camp was at the University of Tennessee with Coach Bussard. Each afternoon, the coaches selected campers of the day. Each camper got an official University of Tennessee Swimming and Diving shirt.
On the second day, Coach Bussard selected me as one of the campers. I remember him calling my name, asking me to come stand by him. After a brief talk about why I was selected, he told me to raise my arms up over my head. He then proceed to put the t-shirt on me. He then said, "from this point forward, you are a Tennessee Volunteer for now and forever"
He left a lasting impression on an 11 yr old that day. I have had many friends that swam for him. Each have shared incredible stories about a man that was passionate about swimming, the university of tennesse, the state of tennessee and most importanly, his family, friends and students.
Coach Bussard, R.I.P.
Rocky Top
by Boudleax and Felice Bryant
Wish that I was on ol' Rocky Top
Down in the Tennessee hills
Aint' no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top
Ain't no telephone bills
Once I had a girl on Rocky Top
Half bear, other half cat
Wild as a mink,
but sweet as soda pop
I still dream about that.
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee,
Rocky Top Tennessee
Once two strangers climbed ol' Rocky Top
Lookin' for a moonshine still
Strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top
Reckon they never will
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee,
Rocky Top Tennessee
Corn won't grow at all on Rocky Top
Dirt's too rocky by far
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top
Get their corn from a jar
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee,
Rocky Top Tennessee
I've had years of cramped-up city life
Trapped like a duck in a pen
All I know is it's a pity life
Can't be simple again
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee,
Rocky Top Tennessee
My first ever swim camp was at the University of Tennessee with Coach Bussard. Each afternoon, the coaches selected campers of the day. Each camper got an official University of Tennessee Swimming and Diving shirt.
On the second day, Coach Bussard selected me as one of the campers. I remember him calling my name, asking me to come stand by him. After a brief talk about why I was selected, he told me to raise my arms up over my head. He then proceed to put the t-shirt on me. He then said, "from this point forward, you are a Tennessee Volunteer for now and forever"
He left a lasting impression on an 11 yr old that day. I have had many friends that swam for him. Each have shared incredible stories about a man that was passionate about swimming, the university of tennesse, the state of tennessee and most importanly, his family, friends and students.
Coach Bussard, R.I.P.
Rocky Top
by Boudleax and Felice Bryant
Wish that I was on ol' Rocky Top
Down in the Tennessee hills
Aint' no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top
Ain't no telephone bills
Once I had a girl on Rocky Top
Half bear, other half cat
Wild as a mink,
but sweet as soda pop
I still dream about that.
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee,
Rocky Top Tennessee
Once two strangers climbed ol' Rocky Top
Lookin' for a moonshine still
Strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top
Reckon they never will
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee,
Rocky Top Tennessee
Corn won't grow at all on Rocky Top
Dirt's too rocky by far
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top
Get their corn from a jar
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee,
Rocky Top Tennessee
I've had years of cramped-up city life
Trapped like a duck in a pen
All I know is it's a pity life
Can't be simple again
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee,
Rocky Top Tennessee
