Five inducted into MC’s Wall of Fame
Nov. 5, 2007
Karen B. Eldridge, Director of News and Public Information
865.981.8207; karen.eldridge@maryvillecollege.edu
Maryville College inducted five individuals into its Wall of Fame Oct. 26. Honored were Lewis “Junior” Masingo, a linebacker who excelled on the football field in the early 1960s; Steve Savage, a hard-hitting defensive back for the Scots from 1974 until 1977; Richard Suttle, a basketball post-player who dominated for three seasons in the late 1970s and early 1980s; Dena Godsey-Barr, a slick fielding softball shortstop and standout volleyball player from 1990 until 1994; and team athletic trainer Joe Black.
The five were presented plaques and honored during a luncheon ceremony attended by nearly 100 people in the Proffitt Dining Room. They were also introduced to the capacity crowd at the Homecoming football game during halftime festivities.
Established in 1975, the Maryville College Wall of Fame award recognizes outstanding individuals who have contributed to Maryville College athletics. Recognition is in two categories: “Regular Membership” is reserved for those student athletes who competed for Maryville College, displaying excellence in athletic competition. Nominees for regular membership must be graduates of the College. “Special Membership” is granted to those people who have been of outstanding value to the Maryville College Athletic Program.
In 33 years, Maryville has recognized 153 past performers who have set the standard for excellence in MC Athletics.
Masingo key to great football seasons
Junior Masingo, who has spent the last 40 years directing the Maryville Rebel youth football teams, played football for the Fighting Scots from 1961 until 1963. In just three seasons, he made a name for himself as a hard-hitting, hustling Highlander.
In 1961 the linebacker’s stingy defense allowed only nine points a game en-route to a 6-2 season. The undersized defender used his love for the game and hard work to make an impact and lead the team in total tackles. During his senior season in 1963, Junior once again led the Scots in tackles and helped them earn an 8-1 record. At the time, it was the third best season in the history of Scots football.
Savage a part of nationally ranked Scots
Steve Savage roamed the Scots secondary from 1974 until 1977. The strong safety could deliver a hit, and his athleticism and football savvy made him a great pass defender. His diligence helped take an 0-9 program in 1975 to a 7-2 record in 1976. This was a national record at the time in Division III for the greatest turnaround season. He had a key interception that sealed the victory over No. 3 nationally ranked Hampden-Sydney and helped the Scots down the No. 8 team in the nation, Millsaps.
Savage’s spirited play assisted the Scots to a 6-0 start during his senior campaign that allowed Maryville to earn a No. 9 national ranking. His speed was also used during the spring as he helped the Scots baseball team earn an NCAA National Tournament bid in 1977.
The head football coach at Commerce High School for the past 19 seasons, Savage has won 72 percent of his games, as well as coached squads to state championships in football and wrestling.
Suttle helped put MC on map in basketball
Richard Suttle made an immediate impact on the College’s basketball program from 1978 to 1981. The 6-foot-7 transfer from UT posted a double-double in his first collegiate game, sinking 17 points and hauling in 11 rebounds against Tennessee Wesleyan. He finished his first year playing in all 24 games, averaging nine rebounds and 11 points a game.
During his junior campaign, the pivot man shot 67 percent from the field, which was nationally ranked within Division III. In the season finale of his junior season, he helped trounce the University of the South with 28 points and an amazing 25 rebounds.
Suttle helped the Scots to the most basketball wins in a season in 31 years. As a senior under new head coach Randy Lambert, Suttle earned all-ODAC, all-district and all-South region accolades after averaging 14 points and eight rebounds a game.
He finished his career as one of the top scorers in Scots basketball history.
Richard is currently a math instructor at Gibbs High School in Knoxville.
Barr was MVP in two sports
Dena Godsey Barr was one of the greatest two-sport standouts for the Scots, suiting up for volleyball and softball in the early 1990s. The Seymour native came to Maryville as a slick-fielding shortstop on the Lady Scots softball team. She was named “Freshman of the Year” after hitting .343. She followed her first year on the diamond with three consecutive MVP seasons. During her last season, she hit .379 and posted an amazing .828 slugging percentage.
During her second year on the hill, Barr chose to use her athleticism on the volleyball court. She paced the Lady Scots to four consecutive 20-win seasons and their first NCAA national tournament selection in 11 years. During her senior volleyball seasons, she was selected to an amazing five all-tournament teams, was named the team MVP, and earned All-South honors. Barr earned three MVP honors in each sport during her MC career.
Dena and her husband, Charles, have two daughters. She is self-employed as the owner of Cash Advance Company.
Black has been vital to success of MC athletics
For the past 26 years, Black has given his time and professional experience to the college and local community as a physical therapist. The Loudon native has been a vital reason for the success of the MC athletic department. In the past two decades, he and his staff at Appalachian Therapy Center have supervised the rehabilitation and return of nearly every seriously injured male and female player.
Additionally, Black has served as a mentor and teacher to Maryville College Director of Wellness and Athletic Training Sharon Wood and has guided the College’s program through her work.
Black has always been there to provide whatever assistance was needed for student-athletes. His vision and determination has provided an athletic trainer for all local high schools, and his life has been full of dedicated service to Maryville College and our community. He is a man who has given so much of himself for the betterment of others.
