Vaughn Mancha

Bio

Vaughn Mancha lettered four years, was consensus All-America center in 1945 and Alabama captain in 1947. His coach, Frank Thomas, said, "Mancha is a brilliant defensive man, fine at diagnosing plays, a great defender against passes, and a sure tackler. On offense he is a fine blocker, and a good, accurate snapper. And he loves football." Alabama had a 30-9-2 record in his time and played in two Sugar Bowls and one Rose Bowl. Mancha played 60 minutes in the January 1, 1945, Sugar Bowl and later was named to the Sugar Bowl all-decade team. Mancha played pro football two years (Boston Yanks), then served as head coach at Livingston State University. He followed that with five years as assistant coach at Florida State, leaving to study at the Columbia University graduate school. He returned to Florida State as director of athletics, a post he held from 1960 to 1972. Mancha presided over a great expansion in the school's athletic program. He then took a teaching job in Florida State's College of Education. A graduate of the school paid this tribute to Mancha: "He is the rarest of teachers, a teacher whose positive impact changes a student for life."

Career Highlights

• 1946 Third Team All-America
• 1945 All-Conference
• 1945 Conference MVP
• 1944 Second Team All-America