C.M. Newton, who began a long association with college basketball as a self-admitted backup player to legendary coach Adolph Rupp and became legendary in his own right, has died in Tuscaloosa, where his rise to international prominence began as head basketball coach at The University of Alabama.
Charles Martin Newton was 88 years old. He was born in Rockwood, Tenn., on Feb. 2, 1930, and was raised in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He died Monday, June 4, 2018, at Hospice of West Alabama.
Coach Newton was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000, the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006, and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame last year.
C.M. was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 49 years, Evelyn Davis Newton. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Nancy Watts Newton. He also is survived by his children, Deborah Newton, Tracy Chappelle, and Martin Newton (Cindy); stepdaughters Laura Fletcher and Sherry Plott; grandchildren, Katie Champion, Madison Wood (Andrew), Charles Martin Newton III, Joshua Newton, Sheridan Chappelle, Davis Chappelle, Bill
David Plott, Sage Hickman, Liza Fletcher and Hunter Plott; great grandchildren, Charles Martin Newton IV and Sawyer Champion; brother Lt Col. Richard Y. Newton, Jr.; nephews William F. Bryan (Becky) and Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III (Jody); and niece Catherine Ahlwardt (El).
He also was predeceased by sister Jean Newton Bryan, sister-in-law Ruth Newton, father Richard Yates Newton, and mother Adelia Martin Newton.
Last year he was the subject of an ESPN Films production, “Courage Matters: The C.M. Newton Story.”
C.M. Newton was closely associated with two of the giants of intercollegiate athletics, having played for (and later competed against) Adolph Rupp and having been hired as Alabama’s head basketball coach in 1968 by Crimson Tide Athletics Director Paul Bryant based on Rupp’s recommendation. “Newt” as he was known to Coach Rupp, was a member of the UK 1951 national championship team.
C.M. Newton came to be considered the most influential man in the game. From 1992 to 1996, he was president of USA Basketball. Under his direction professional basketball players were added to the United States Olympic basketball team, including the 1992 “Dream Team.”
From 1979 to 1985 he was chair of the NCAA Rules Committee. During his tenure the NCAA adopted the shot clock, the three-point line, and the coaches’ box. He was a member of the NCAA Division I Basketball Committee, overseeing the NCAA Tournament from 1992 through 1999, including the last two years as chairman.
In 1998 a survey done by the San Antonio Express-News proclaimed him “the most powerful man in college basketball.”
Coach Newton was head basketball coach for 12 years at Transylvania College in Lexington following a brief career as a pitcher in the New York Yankees chain.
In 12 seasons at Alabama, Coach Newton led the Crimson Tide to a record of 211-123, and Bama became the only school other than Kentucky to win three consecutive Southeastern Conference championships (1974, 1975, and 1976). He is the only Alabama basketball coach in history to be selected back-to-back SEC Coach of the Year (1975 and 1976). His Bama squads were the first to earn National Invitation and NCAA tournament berths.
Following the 1980 season, he became an assistant commissioner for the SEC. In 1981 he was back in coaching at Vanderbilt and led them to a 129-115 mark in eight years and two trips to the NCAA Tournament.
His final career move was to his alma mater, becoming director of athletics at Kentucky. He was named national AD of the year in 1999 and retired in 2000, eventually moving to Tuscaloosa.
Special thanks to caregivers Andrew Croom and Lorenza Allen; Caring Days (Vickie Kerr and Laderrick Smith); and firefighters of Station 10.
Honorary pallbearers will be former players, managers, trainers, and associates of Coach Newton at Transylvania, Alabama, and Vanderbilt.
Services will be Thursday, June 14th 2018 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with Rev. James Goodlet officiating with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial provider directing. A reception will follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Arc of Tuscaloosa County (1330 University Blvd. E, Tuscaloosa 35404), Caring Days Adult Day Care (943 31st St, Tuscaloosa 35405), and Hospice of West Alabama (3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa 35404).
Condolences may be offered at www.HeritageChapelTuscaloosa.com.
