Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Troy Washam was a fine three-sport athlete at Lenoir-Rhyne but went on to put together a brilliant record as a baseball coach.  Washam played football, basketball and baseball at L-R, lettering three times in football and four in baseball as a catcher.  World War II interrupted his education and he came back to graduate with the class of 1947.  He was assistant football coach under Clarence Stasavich and head baseball coach from 1948-53.  His 70-23 mark with the Bear baseballers is the best of any L-R coach in history coaching more than one season, and he won two North State titles.  Washam then continued his coaching career at Hickory High School and with the American Legion Post 48 team.  His Red Tornado Clubs won nine conference championships and he captured 10 area titles during his years as Legion coach.  Washam guided his 1948 Legion Team to state and regional crowns before losing in the national semifinals.  He is a member of the North Carolina American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame.  In all, Washam's college, high school and Legion teams won over 500 games and 22 championships.  He also worked in the Hickory City School System.