Remembering Dartmouth College’s Legendary Football Coach Buddy Teevens
In a tragic turn of events, Dartmouth College’s head football coach, Buddy Teevens, aged 66, passed away on Tuesday, following injuries sustained in a bicycle accident that occurred on March 16 in St. Augustine, Florida. This unfortunate news was announced by the Teevens family through an official statement released by the school. The statement expressed the profound grief of Buddy’s family and the Dartmouth community, acknowledging the outpouring of support they received during this difficult time.
A Heartfelt Farewell
The Teevens family’s statement read, “Our family is heartbroken to inform you that our beloved ‘coach’ has peacefully passed away surrounded by family. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained proved too challenging for even him to overcome.” This heartfelt farewell was a poignant reminder of the impact Buddy Teevens had on the lives of many, both on and off the football field.
Buddy Teevens: A Legacy at Dartmouth
Buddy Teevens served as the head coach of Dartmouth’s football team for an impressive 22 seasons. His connection with Dartmouth ran deep, as he had previously played as a quarterback for the Big Green, earning the prestigious Ivy League Player of the Year honors in 1978. Beyond his remarkable playing career, Teevens transitioned into coaching and left an indelible mark on Dartmouth football.
A Pioneer for Player Safety
One of Buddy Teevens’ most significant contributions to the world of football was his unwavering commitment to making the sport safer for athletes. He took innovative steps to reduce full-contact practices by emphasizing technique over brute force. This approach led to a groundbreaking development at Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering – the Mobile Virtual Player.
The Mobile Virtual Player is a robotic tackling dummy that revolutionized football practice. Its introduction not only improved player safety but also caught the attention of college programs and NFL teams alike. Buddy Teevens’ dedication to player safety and innovation made him a nationally recognized figure in the world of football coaching.
The Tragic Accident
The tragic incident that ultimately led to Buddy Teevens’ untimely passing occurred when he was cycling in St. Augustine. According to the school’s description, Teevens’ bike was struck by a pickup truck in what can only be described as a heart-wrenching accident. In the following months, the Teevens family, along with the Dartmouth community, closely monitored his condition.
In April, Kirsten Teevens, Buddy’s wife, shared the devastating news that his right leg had to be amputated due to the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident. Furthermore, Buddy had suffered spinal cord injuries, compounding the challenges he faced during his recovery journey.
A Lasting Impact
As news of Buddy Teevens’ passing reverberated through Dartmouth and the broader football community, Dartmouth’s president, Sian Leah Beilock, and director of athletics, Mike Harrity, penned a heartfelt letter to the Dartmouth community. They wrote, “This is tragic news for Dartmouth and the entire football world. Buddy not only was synonymous with Dartmouth football, he was a beloved coach and an innovative, inspirational leader who helped shape the lives of generations of students.”
Honoring Buddy’s Legacy
In the wake of this loss, Dartmouth College is determined to honor Buddy Teevens’ legacy in various meaningful ways. Despite the profound grief, the football team will play its scheduled game against Lehigh on Saturday, paying tribute to their beloved coach. Dartmouth has also announced plans to honor Buddy’s memory throughout the 2023 football season, with input from the Teevens family.
“There will be a moment of silence prior to the game and a gathering of remembrance afterward,” the school stated. The Dartmouth community, as well as football enthusiasts, can expect a series of tributes that will celebrate Buddy’s enduring impact.
In Conclusion
Buddy Teevens’ passing is a loss not only for Dartmouth College but also for the football world at large. His commitment to player safety and innovation, epitomized by the creation of the Mobile Virtual Player, will forever be remembered. Dartmouth College and the entire football community will continue to cherish the legacy of this remarkable coach, whose influence transcended the field.
As we remember Buddy Teevens, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on a sport, a community, and the lives of countless individuals. His memory will endure, inspiring future generations of athletes and coaches to prioritize safety, innovation, and the well-being of those they lead.