TULSA, Okla. –– The man who started the women's intercollegiate volleyball program at The University of Tulsa, Dr. Tom Cairns, died on Sunday at the age of 86. Although retiring from his coaching post following the 1992 season, Cairns remained close to the program and those student-athletes he had mentored.
Cairns came to TU in 1959 after earning his B.S. in physics, M.S. and Doctorate in Mathematics from Oklahoma State University and a two-year stint as 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army principally attached to the National Security Agency (NSA).
An avid volleyball player and enthusiast, Cairns began the TU women's volleyball program in 1976 and coached from 1976-1992.