G. Scott Smith, Class of 1961: Football, Lacrosse, Wrestling

One of the preeminent three-sport athletes ever to don a Peddie uniform, G. Scott Smith lettered four years in football, four in lacrosse and three in wrestling. Smith’s accomplishments across sports were outstanding, particularly when compared to the tendency for today’s athletes to want to specialize. He excelled in promoting the true spirit and ideals of fair play, earning him Peddie’s Citizenship Award and membership in the coveted Gold Key Society. Along with classmates Brian Barrabee ’61 and Emil Aysseh ’61, Smith was voted “best athlete” his senior year.

On the gridiron, Smith, at center, was one of the “hefty linemen” considered to be the “indispensable, yet unsung heroes of the Falcon eleven.” Led by captain Aysseh at right tackle, the 1960 football season proved to be the most exciting and successful since the 1950 squad went undefeated. Forcing undefeated Lawrenceville to a tie and crushing Blair 24-0, Coach Mickey Shuman’s Shu-men compiled a 42-2-2 record. In Smith’s four years, the Falcons never lost to Blair.

Smith went on to play football for Denison University. Upon graduating from Denison, he was drafted by a Canadian team and was asked to play for the Minnesota Vikings but turned down both offers.

As wrestling captain his senior year, Scott compiled a record of six wins and one loss in the heavyweight category. The ’61 grapplers were runners-up in the heavyweight division of the New Jersey State Wrestling Championship for Preparatory Schools.

Lacrosse was only in its second year as a varsity sport Smith’s senior year. Smith and Aysseh teamed up again on defense along with a small nucleus of returning lettermen. The stickmen had trouble solidifying into a working unit, but their spirit on the field made up for any other shortcomings. Though in frequent contact with the opposing team, the Peddie stickmen managed to remain unscathed.

Smith was a consummate team player and placed a high value on loyalty and trust. As he himself put it, “the only way a back can break away for a touchdown run is if he is sprung loose by a good block. The person throwing this block has faith in his teammate and knows that if his job is completed successfully, his teammate can do his job.”

Smith represented Peddie in all his sports with great honor and was a dedicated, well-rounded leader.