The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Former Blazer Kirk Tuck Dies After Battling Leukemia
7/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Tuck was diagnosed in August of 2005 with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and battled the disease with the same fervor he displayed during his playing days with the Blazers.
Tuck took over the starting center job for UAB midway through the 2000 season, his sophomore year. He started all 11 games in 2001 and the full season in 2002. Known for his leadership and unfailing dedication, Tuck was named to the All-Conference USA team following his senior season in 2002.
"Kirk was always a winner," said UAB head coach Watson Brown. "He's one of those players who you coach whom you truly love. He fought for everything he ever had. Kirk really is this program's all-time captain, someone we can all be proud of and blessed to say we knew. He came here as a walk-on, worked hard and became a three-year starter and then an all-conference player."
Tuck was a four-year starter at Pelham (Ala.) High School and earned All-Shelby County and all-metro honors a senior.
Tuck is survived by his wife, Melissa; his parents, Wayne and Theresa Tuck, Birmingham, Ala.; his brother Brian of Rexburg, Idaho; and his maternal grandparents, Ann and Richard Holloman of Athens, Georgia.
Funeral arrangements are still being determined and will be announced as soon as they are known.
Note: The First Annual Kirk Tuck Benefit Golf Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, August 5 at Highland Park Golf Club, will be held as a memorial tournament in Kirk's honor. Information and registration forms regarding the tournament can be found on the UAB athletics web site at www.uabsports.com.
