Endowed Scholarship Fund - Football

COACH JOHN MCKENNA SCHOLARSHIP
Represented by Coach John McKenna of Decatur, Georgia.
 

                   
Coach John McKenna             Larry W. Wertz  '67

The Coach John McKenna Scholarship was established in 1978 by his fellow football players and assistant coaches to honor one of VMI's most successful head football coaches of all time. It provides assistance to upperclass football players who best exemplify the traits Coach McKenna demanded of his players.

In 1994-5, at the urging of a former McKenna player, Larry Wertz '67, a new fund drive was planned to raise additional funds for the McKenna Scholarship. Unfortunately, Wertz died of illness in 1995, but his commitment and energy fueled the fund raising efforts to over a $1,000,000 effort. In his honor, one of the McKenna scholarship recipients is recognized in Wertz's name.

John McKenna joined the VMI football coaching staff in 1952 and became head coach in 1953. In 13 seasons, from 1953-65, he guided the Keydets to four Southern Conference championships and six straight winning seasons (1957-62).

These years included the nationally-ranked, undefeated team of 1957 and a winning streak of 18 games without a loss.

He was Southern Conference Coach of the Year in 1957 and 1959.

The 1959 BOMB was dedicated to him as follows: "A gentleman and a leader of men, Coach McKenna has won the friendship of all those with whom he has come in contact and the respect of his players through discipline...The Corps is extremely proud to have been associated with this extraordinary gentleman and coach."

McKenna is an Honorary Alumnus of VMI. He received a special citation of the VMI Sports Hall of Fame in 1977.

Cadets Lucas J. Combs '08 (Wertz Player), Nicholas R. Mims '09, Howard A. Abegesah '10 and Franklin O. Keeney '10 are recognized in the name of the Coach John McKenna Scholarship for the 2007-08 school year.