Thomas Oates
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Sport:
Football |
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Year
Graduated: 1952 |
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Year
Inducted: 1978 |
An All Scholastic end at Watertown High under Hall of Famer
"Whitey" Clem, Tommy Oates turned down numerous
other offers to attend Boston University, joining a freshmen
team that included Harry Agganis and John Kastan.
At 6-1, 215 pounds, Oates had the size and speed to be an
outstanding receiver, and with Agganis throwing to him and
teammate George Sulima, the Terriers had a balanced attack
that brought them close to an upset victory over national
champion Maryland in 1949.
Coach Ed Donnelly describes Oates as "one of the best
ends I ever coached. He could do it all, both on offense and
defense."
Steve Sinko said that Oates had exceptional hands, which
combined with his speed made him one of the finest offensive
ends in Boston University football history. Buff Donelli thought
so well of Oates' all around ability that he played him at
offensive and defensive end as well as linebacker.
Oates' receiving statistics at Boston University were amazingly
similar to those of John Bredice, who was also an inductee
into the Hall of Fame in 1978.
Against West Virginia in 1949, Oates caught three touchdown
passes to pace the Terriers to a 52-20 upset victory over
West Virginia.
During the 1951 season he caught 35 passes, tying him with
Bredice for the season spot among the Terrier's all-time leaders
for receptions in a season.
He earned All-New England and All-East honors and was drafted
by the pros. However, he decided to forego professional football
to pursue a teaching career.
