Hall of Fame
Howard Sompayrac was the team captain for the Mocs during his playing career from 1948-51. Listed as a 5-11 guard, he was inducted into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997. He was also among the top-15 players in school history when the Chattanooga Times produced its All-Time UTC Basketball Team in 1997. He was a third-team selection on the all-time squad.
After moving to Chattanooga from North Carolina for his high school years, Sompayrac became a star basketball player for Chattanooga Central High School. He went on to serve in the United States Army for two years before enrolling at the University of Chattanooga. He was inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Hall of Fame for his basketball career at Central and UTC.
Sompayrac graduated from UTC in 1951 with a degree in Business Administration. He served as his junior and senior class president and was also elected student body president during his time at UTC.
Following graduation, Sompayrac worked for DuPont for 40 years as an industrial relations specialists. He was also very involved in the Chattanooga community, serving as the Alumni Council president, organizer of the Chattanooga Quarterback Club, member of the Athletic Board, UC Foundation Trustee and Blue & Gold Club president.
Also very active in local politics, Sompayrac spent time as the chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party. He also served 12 years as a county commissioner from District 3.
