Forrest “Spec” Towns

Forrest “Spec” Towns is the greatest track and field legend in UGA history, winning SEC, NCAA and Olympic titles, setting a world record and coaching the Georgia track and field squad for over 30 years.

Born in Fitzgerald, Ga., on Feb. 6, 1914, Forrest “Spec” Towns became, over the next several decades, the greatest track and field legend in the history of the University of Georgia and the state. Towns and his family moved to Augusta in 1923, where he attended Richmond Academy and played only one sport — football. But Towns earned a track and field scholarship as a high jumper after a neighbor saw him win a backyard high jumping contest. He entered Georgia in September of 1933 and within three years was the Olympic 120-yard hurdles champion and held both Olympic and world records in the event. In 1934, Towns won the Southeastern AAU 120-yard hurdles in 15.1 seconds. The following year he won the SEC, NCAA and National AAU titles. In Berlin, Towns won the gold medal in the 120-yard hurdles with a record time of 14.1 seconds. Two weeks later in Oslo, he set a world record of 13.7 seconds (stood for 14 years). During his prime from 1935-37, Towns won more than 60 races in a row in one of the most difficult athletic events. He also held the world record in the indoor 60-yard hurdles (7.3). Towns was named to the All-America Outdoor Track and Field Team in 1936 and 1937 and the All-America Indoor Track and Field Team in 1938. He led Georgia to the 1937 SEC team championship (the only one in the men’s program history) by earning individual high point honors with 16.5. Towns became head track and field coach at UGA in 1938 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1975. That span excludes a four-year stint in the U.S. Army, where he served his country in Africa and Europe. While he was coach, his pupils won 21 individual SEC outdoor titles and five individual SEC indoor titles. Towns also held other positions at UGA. He served as an assistant football coach under Towns, who is the sixth person from the left standing, and his 1936 Wally Butts from 1946-50 and was an assistant professor from 1950-75. teammates pose for their photo in front of Sanford Stadium during its early stages. The team accounted for six individual SEC titles and later collected the 1937 SEC tieam title.. Towns was inducted On Oct. 3, 1997, Towns was inducted into into the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in the University of Georgia Athletic Association 1967 and was elected to the United States Track and Circle of Honor, the highest tribute that can Field Hall of Fame in 1975. The University’s track and be bestowed upon former Bulldog athletes or field facility was named for Towns in a dedication coaches. Towns will be forever remembered as ceremony at the 1990 SEC Outdoor Championships. a key figure in Georgia’s rich athletic history. A granite monument proclaiming Forrest Towns Track stands at the southeast entrance to the facility. On April 9, 1991, Georgia lost this great track & field ambassador when Towns passed away at age 77.