Former longtime University of Iowa athletic director dies

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Former University of Iowa Athletic Director Chalmers "Bump" Elliott passed away Saturday at age 94.

Elliott became Athletic Director at Iowa in 1970 and stayed in that role for over 21 years until August 1991.

During his tenure, the school saw major success with 11 NCAA wrestling titles, three trips by the football team to the Rose Bowl, and appearances in the Final Four in men's basketball.

The Hawkeyes baseball team also went to the College World Series under Elliot.

"For over 75 years, Bump epitomized the best values of the Big Ten athletic conference and its member institutions," the Elliott family said in a statement released through the University. "His fundamental beliefs in academic excellence, gender equality, diversity, honesty and athletic achievement guided his life and career as a student-athlete, coach and administrator.'

Elliott Drive in Iowa City, which travels between Hawkins Drive and Newton Road in front of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, is named in his honor.

Before becoming Director of Athletics at Iowa, Elliott was head football coach at the University of Michigan. While playing at Michigan, he was named the Big Ten Conference's most valuable player for the 1947 season.


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