1995

WEEK Or

at ECCC... Blount scholarship estabtished

A scholarship named in honor of former East Central Community College coach Clayton Blount was among items approved by the Col– lege's Board of Trustees at its August meeting held on the Decatur campus. The Clayton Blount Scholarship, established by his former players and other supporters, pays tribute to the Decatur resident for his many years of service to the College. Con– tributions are now being received to endow the scholarship, with only interest earned to be used for the annual award. Blount served in various capacities during his 16-year tenure c~.t East Central which began in 1953. He \\as physical education

teacher, head women's basketball coach, head men's basketball coach, assistant football coach, head football coach, dean of men and athletic director. His 1953-54 women's basketball team finished state runners-up and he lead the 1954-55 men's basket– ball team to a 33-3 record and a fourth place finish in the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan– sas. The Warriors had earlier claim– ed Region 7 and Conference Cham– pionship honors and won the Hinds Invitational and Lions Bowl Tournament. His overall record as basketball coach is a remarkable 145 ,.,.;ns and 27 losses, which mclude two seasons at East .\1ississtppi College where his women's team \\On the state championship title with an unblemished 40-0 record his final season on the Scooba campus. Blount also found success on the gridiron, as he compiled an 18-12 mark. He is still held in the highest regard by his former players. One of his former standouts remarked about Coach Blount: "He expected much of the students and athletes with whom he worked. He was a father figure and an exceptional disciplinarian. He expected students and athletes to conduct themselves in a very decent manner at all times and to bring honor to the College that they represented. The rapport he had with his students allowed him to be very demanding of them while still keeping their respect and admiration. Because of his high ex-

pectations and discipline, many of the students with whom Clayton Blount was associated are now suc– cessful and respected citizens." Scholarship recipients will be selected on an annual basis by the College's Scholarship committee from a pool of applicants. To be eligible to receive the scholarship recipients must: (1) be a graduate of a high school from the five-county support area; (2) have a high school grade point average of 3.0 or above; (3) participate as an athlete in one of the major athletic programs at East Central, which includes baseball, basketball, football, soft– ball and tennis; (4) appear on ECCC's certifica– tion list as a certified athlete for the given year; and (5) not have been involved in any activity which would bring discredit to the College. _ The scholarship will be available to the recipient beginning the fall semester following high school graduation. The recipient_ will receive the scholarship for the first year of attendance at East Central. One-half of the scholarship will be awarded the fall semester and one– half awarded the following spring semester. To retain the scholarship for t~e spring semester the student must earn a 2.5 grade point average on the 4.0 scale during 'the fall semester. To make a contribution or receive additional information con– tact the Office of the President, ECCC, Decarur, MS 39327, Ph. 63.:i-2: 1, ext. 200.

APPEARED IN:

CARTHAGINIAN NESHOBA DEMOCRAT NEWTON RECORD CLARION- LEDGER

SCOTT COUNTY TIMES UNION APPEAL ~ WINSTON COUNTY JOUR~AL MERI DIAN STAR

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