Tommy Scott (coach)
Thomas Lawrence Scott (October 9, 1907 – June 1962) was the very first head coach of the Old Dominion Monarchs football (then known as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary) team (then known as the "Braves"), which was established in 1930 and discontinued after the 1939 season for eligibility and debt concerns. He coached the Braves to a 62–19–4 record during his tenure, including a 9–1 record in 1932 that resulted in an accidental trip[1] to play in the Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes. The Braves lost 6–2.
Biographical details | |
---|---|
Born | October 9, 1907 Onancock, Virginia |
Died | June 1962 (aged 54) |
Playing career | |
1926–1929 | Virginia Military Institute |
Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
1930–1940 | Old Dominion |
Aside from coaching football at Old Dominion, Scott also coached the track, baseball and men's basketball teams despite the fact that there were no facilities to practice on for any of the programs. The Braves had to play on makeshift fields and use hand-me-down uniforms from the College of William & Mary. He retired from teaching and coaching in 1941 to pursue a business career.
Scott was a 1926 graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk, and then a 1930 graduate of Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. While at VMI, he played left end for the Keydets football team.
References
- Explanation of the accidental Orange Bowl invitation. ODU Football archives. Retrieved on 16 January 2010.