Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
Will Rhea Winfrey was an athlete who was well ahead of his time. The records he established in the shot put and discus are the envy of Rhodes athletes today.
Will Rhea was a member of the 1936, 1937 and 1938 Southwestern football teams which posted 7-2-1, 6-4 and 7-1-1 records, respectively. The 1936 Lynx squad defeated Vanderbilt 12-0 and the 1937 squad defeated Mississippi State 7-3. Will Rhea, an outstanding fullback, served as an Alternate Captain on the 1939 football team known as the “Iron Men.”
No one in the state of Tennessee was better than Will Rhea Winfrey in the shot put. His throw of 46’11” broke the Tennessee state record, as well as the school record. He also set a school record in the discus with a throw of 126’7”. In 1938 Will Rhea was the top point man for the Lynx track and field team and was named Most Valuable Athlete for his accomplishments.
Upon graduation from Southwestern Will Rhea served with distinction in World War II and retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army. For his service to his country, his leadership on the football team and the records he set, we are proud to induct Will Rhea Winfrey into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 20th day of October, 2006.
