Every era of football is represented by great players, but they are always one or two players whose teammates, coaches and fans recognize as the greatest player of a particular time. Scott Arnold, the first player from the 1960’s to be inducted into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame, set the standard for Lynx wide receivers in the modern era of Rhodes football.
When a teammate was asked what made Scott Arnold such a great player, the response was very simple: “Defensive backs just couldn’t cover Scott.” It didn’t hurt that Scott ran great routes and had outstanding hands, or that he was usually the fastest player on the field. Scott lettered four years in football, and he played both ways as a freshman and sophomore. His best year was 1967, when he was named All College Athletic Conference. He ended the year with 45 receptions for 806 yards, averaging 17.9 yards per reception, in only 8 games. Scott was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player. Against arch-rival Centre he caught 12 passes, a school record for 10 years. The Associated Press recognized Scott as an Honorable Mention Little All-American for his accomplishments his senior year.
Scott was also a four-year letterman in track, where he starred as a sprinter for Coach Freeman Marr. Scott won the 220 yard dash at the Tennessee Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships in 1965 and was a member of the school record setting 440 yard relay team his senior year. In the 1968 C.A.C. Championships, Scott was a member of the winning 440 and Mile Relay teams, and he won the 220 and 440 yard dashes. He was awarded the Freeman Marr Award his senior year for his dedication, hard work and leadership on the 1968 track team.
When Scott wasn’t catching passes or running in track meets, he managed to be an outstanding student and campus leader. He was tapped by the Omicron Delta Society and served both as Treasurer and Vice-President of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Scott was awarded the Seidman Trophy at graduation for his excellence in academics and athletics during his career at Southwestern.
In recognition of a student-athlete who was a winner both on and off the field, Rhodes is honored to induct SCOTT ALLISON ARNOLD III to the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame, this 25th day of October, 2002.
