H. Edmunds White '47 (2006) - Hall of Fame - Davidson College Athletics

H. Edmunds White '47

Induction:
2006
Class:
1947

Ed White starred for some of the most successful basketball teams prior to the arrival of Lefty Driesell, helping the Wildcats to a 17-8 record in his senior season. Standing just 5-9, White was still widely considered the best player on the team in his last two campaigns. He finished second in the Southern Conference in scoring as a junior, just behind future All-American Dick Dickey at N.C.State

Perhaps his greatest contribution to Davidson athletics, however, came as an administrator from 1955-79. For 18 of those 24 years, he worked in the admissions office, including 10 years as the director of admissions and financial aid, and another four years as the dean of admissions. In a much different recruiting environment than today, White helped recruit student-athletes who could meet the academic requirements while excelling on the field of competition. Working with Lefty Driesell, the fruits of their labors turned into the nationally-ranked basketball teams of the 1960s. White also played a large role in attracting the football stars of the late ' 60s that went on to win the Southern Conference in 1969 and play in the Tangerine Bowl. Then in the ' 70s, White laid the groundwork for the influx of female athletic talent, giving them opportunities after Davidson went co-ed.