Nevada football star, coach, AD Dick Trachock dies at age 94
RENO, Nev. (AP) - Dick Trachok, whose athletic career at the University of Nevada, Reno spanned parts of nine decades as a star running back, coach and athletic director, has died. He was 94.
Trachock died Sunday at his daughter's Reno home, his son, Rick Trachock, said.
The U.S. Army Air Corps veteran starred on teams that went 25-6 from 1946-48 and played in the school's first two bowl games - the 1948 Salad Bowl and 1949 Harbor Bowl.
He was coach from 1959-68 and athletic director from 1969-86. Since then, he had served as athletic director emeritus and kept an office on campus, attending sporting events through last year.
He presided over some of the most significant events in Nevada athletic history including the move to the Big Sky Conference in 1979, the first two NCAA basketball tournament appearances, construction of Lawlor Events Center and renovations of Mackay Stadium.
UNR President Marc Johnson said he will be remembered for the relationships he cultivated at the university.
'œHe coached, mentored and was a friend to so many of us. His passing marks the end of an era. But his influence on our institution will never leave us," Johnson said.
'œThey just don't make them like that anymore,'ť ex-Gov. Brian Sandoval said.