The Edward and Catherine Cifers Fellowship was established to honor Ed Cifers and his wife Catherine Daugherty Cifers. The fellowship provides a financial award to selected recipients.
Applicants must be enrolled at the University of Tennessee in the College of Education, Health, & Human Sciences and be pursuing a graduate degree in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, & Sport Studies. A minimum of two recipients are selected each year representing both program areas in the department, i.e., Kinesiology and Sport Management.
Criteria for Consideration:
- Current student in good standing with the University
- Have successfully completed nine (9) hours of graduate coursework at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville by June 1 of the year of the award
- Have a declared graduate degree program in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, & Sport Studies
Section Criteria:
- Academic achievement
- Professional development
- Professional promise
- Professional demeanor
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Cassidy Smestad |
About Ed Cifers
Ed Cifers (1916 – 2005) grew up in Kingsport, Tenn., and was a four-sport letterman at Dobyns-Bennett High School. He played collegiately at the University of Tennessee for Gen. Robert R. Neyland, and lettered in 1938, 1939, and 1940. He was a member of three Southeastern Conference championship teams that compiled a 31-2 record. He was a key contributor as well for the 1938 National Championship team.
Cifers played professionally for the Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears. He was a member of the 1942 Washington Redskins NFL Championship team. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1942 with the rank of lieutenant and served at Norfolk Naval Base during World War II.
Ed married Catherine Daugherty, and they returned to Knoxville after World War II. He worked for Daugherty & Waters Construction Company until 1961. He joined the Hosiery Mill of Charles H. Bacon Company and served as president until retiring in 1990.
He is a member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.