Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
When Bill Maybry arrived at Southwestern in 1937, he began an association with the college that would span close to 50 years. Bill brought a love, loyalty and service to his alma mater that would serve as an inspiration to many on the staff during his tenure as a coach and Director of Athletics.
In 1956, President Peyton Rhodes selected Bill Maybry to be the Director of Athletics. In his announcement he stated, “Bill is a man of high character and he has great leadership ability.” Bill Maybry served in that position for 20 years, the longest tenure for an Athletic Director in the college’s history.
After graduating from Southwestern, Bill served in the Navy during World War II from 1942-46. In 1948 he returned to Southwestern as an Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Cross-Country and Tennis Coach. Once Dr. Rhodes selected him as the Director of Athletics, Bill continued to coach until he retired in 1983. Hel coached several outstanding men’s golf teams, including the 1971 team, which qualified for the NCAA tournament.
Perhaps Bill’s greatest legacy was his leadership and vision for the reinstitution of women’s varsity athletics at Southwestern in the late ’60s. He hired current Hall of Fame member Camille Deaderick to lead thiat effort. He was also instrumental in the formation of the College Athletic Conference (CAC). The original CAC members were Washington and Lee, Centre, Sewanee, Washington University and Southwestern. The CAC became nationally recognized as one of the top academic/athletic conferences in the country.
Current Hall of Fame member Harold High was Bill’s coach as an undergraduate. Coach High said, “Bill Maybry was one of the most dedicated and hardworking athletes I’ve ever coached.” For the mentorship he provided to countless students and staff, and for his unwavering loyalty and love for his alma mater, Rhodes is honored to induct WILLIAM ROBERT MAYBRY posthumously into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 23rd day of October, 2009.
