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Robert Scott

Hall of Fame

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Inducted 1976

College

Johns Hopkins University

If Father Bill Schmeisser is considered to be one of the modern patriarchs of Hopkins lacrosse, then Bob Scott is his number one son. Known to his legion of friends and fans simply as "Scotty," he is the author of Lacrosse: Technique and Tradition, the fastest-selling book on lacrosse in history. After graduating from Forest Park High School, Scotty went to Johns Hopkins where he lettered on the 1950 national championship team. In 1952 he was picked as an honorable mention All-American midfielder at Hopkins. After playing on the 1952 South All-Star team he went on to fulfill his military obligation. 

Upon returning from the Army he was named as head coach of Johns Hopkins varsity lacrosse team, a career that would span two decades. During his career Scotty coached seven national championship teams, winning those honors in 1957, 1959, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1974. He compiled a 158-55-1 overall record, and had 42 players earn first-team All-America recognition during his career.

Perhaps the 1974 title was the most cherished since it came in the year of his retirement. Scotty's '74 team battled back after an early season loss to Virginia and a mid-season loss to Navy to deliver the national championship to their retiring coach. A poignant moment occurred in the locker room after that contest when Coach Scott thanked his team for the victory. Hopkins players, by tradition and respect, only address Scotty as Coach or Coach Scott. After he had congratulated them on the win, one of the players summarized the team's empathy with their coach by the simple question "Can we call you Scotty now?" 

Scott transitioned to a role as Johns Hopkins’ director of athletics in 1973 and served in that role until he retired in 1995. In total, he spent more than 46 years associated with the school since first arriving on the Homewood campus as an undergraduate. At various points during his career at Hopkins he also coached football, basketball, wrestling and soccer.

Coach Scott was honored as National Coach of the Year in 1965, 1968 and 1972. In addition, Hero's Inc. honored him as the College Coach of the Year in 1970 and 1971. A former member of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association's Executive Committee and treasurer of the United States Lacrosse Coaches Association, he was additionally a member of the NCAA Rules Committee and All-American Committee. In addition to his induction into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, he was inducted into the Johns Hopkins University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994 and he was the recipient of the 2013 Spirit of Tewaaraton Award.

Bob Scott passed away on September 15, 2016 at the age of 86.