Nov 13, 2002

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Glenn Dobbs, an All-America tailback at Tulsa in the early 1940s who later coached the team for eight seasons, has died. He was 82.

Dobbs died Tuesday night at his home in Tulsa, university spokesman Don Tomkalski said Wednesday.

Dobbs was an AP All-American in 1942. That season, he completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,066 yards, led the nation in punting and the team in interceptions.

During his three-year college career he led the Golden Hurricane to a 25-6 record and two bowl appearances.

He was coach at his alma mater from 1961-68, compiling a 45-37 record. His best season was 1964, when Tulsa went 9-2 and defeated Mississippi to win the Bluebonnet Bowl.

Dobbs was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Tulsa Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982. The No. 45 jersey he wore at Tulsa has been retired.

He was a first-round draft pick of the Chicago Cardinals in 1943. He played nine professional seasons, winning All-Pro honors for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League, and was the MVP for the Brooklyn Dodgers of the All-American Football Conference in 1946.

He is survived by his wife, June Manchester Dobbs; two sons, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A moment of silence will precede Tulsa's game Saturday with San Jose State, and Tulsa players will wear Dobbs' number 45 on their helmets.

A memorial service for Dobbs will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at Tulsa's Donald W. Reynolds Center.