Death of Coach, End of an Era
UAB Students started the semester with a devastating loss. Coach Gene Bartow passed away on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012, after a two-year struggle with stomach cancer. Bartow, also known as the “Father of UAB Athletics,” was a pioneer in developing campus-life at UAB. He first came to UAB in 1977 as Athletic Director and coach of the Men’s Basketball team. In his 22 years of service, he expanded UAB Athletics to include 17 Division I teams and lead the Men’s Basketball team to their best finish with a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight. Bartow’s legacy will forever be remembered as UAB moves forward in our Athletic programs. In 2011 alone, UAB experienced great achievements in Athletics—the Men’s Basketball team won the Conference USA Championship and made an NCAA Tournament appearance, Men’s Soccer won the Conference USA Championship, and the football team accepted a great new head coach in Coach Garrick McGee. Exciting things are ahead for UAB Athletics, and it is all made possible by the leadership of the great Coach Gene Bartow.