Elza Tillman Renfro (April 3, 1902 â September 21, 1935) was an American football, basketball, and baseball player and coach of football, basketball, and track. He served as the head football coach at Arkansas State CollegeâÂÂnow known as Arkansas State UniversityâÂÂfor one season in 1933, compiling a record of 2âÂÂ4âÂÂ2.
Renfro initially began his college playing career with the University of Tulsa. In 1922, he transferred to the University of Arkansas.
After four seasons as head football coach and athletic director of Jonesboro High School, Renfro left to become an assistant coach for Hendrix College in 1929. He held the post for four years before becoming the head football coach for Arkansas State College. He took over for Jack Dale who resigned to become the head coach at Paragould High School. After an unsuccessful 2âÂÂ4âÂÂ2 rookie season, Renfro opted to leave the Jonesboro school and become the backfield coach to Curtis Parker at the Centenary College of Louisiana. He held the position until his death.
Renfro died of blood poisoning in 1935.