When looking at Lewis Welford’s Southwestern resume, one wonders when he found time to sleep. He was either in class, on the court practicing, or attending a meeting. Lewis Welford not only found time to sleep, he found time to distinguish himself as one of the college’s all-time great student-athletes.
As a senior at Southwestern, Lewis Welford was selected to receive the Seidman Award for his success in the classroom and in athletics. He was an outstanding basketball and tennis player for Southwestern, serving as captain of the basketball team his junior and senior year. When Lewis wasn’t playing in tennis matches, he was winning the pole vault and high jump for the Lynx track and field team. He was the Tennessee state pole vault champion, and he set the school record in the high jump.
In addition to being an honor student and three-sport athlete, Lewis was a leader in numerous clubs and organizations. He served as Vice-President of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and was an active member of the Ministerial, “S” and Nitist Clubs. He also served as the President of the Publications Board, and was a member of the Student Council, the Panhellenic Council and the April Fool Carnival Court.
After serving three years in the Pacific in World War II, Lewis used his Economics degree to launch a successful career in the industrial supply business.
In recognition of his service to his country, his community and to his alma mater, Rhodes is proud to induct LEWIS DONELSON WELLFORD into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame, this 25th day of October, 2002.Â
