In the early 1950’s, the Maryville College fans loved their football, which featured several sports heroes from the homegrown talent pool. One name that would quickly become a local legend was a Maryville High School graduate named Buddy White.

Buddy was a freshman at Maryville College in 1953 and under the direction and guidance of the legendary Lombe Honaker and his assistant J.D. Davis, this dependable fullback and  kicker would quickly make a name for himself on Honaker Field.

The Scots trounced Hiwassee 55-6 in Buddy’s first collegiate game. Honaker’s run dominated offense often featured the powerful sprints of White.

Maryville defeated Centre 13-7 in their third game of the season. MC’s last victory of the season was what the Highland Echo called “the best football game they had ever seen on Honaker Field”. MC came from behind in the last seconds to defeat East Tennessee State University 26-20.

Lombe’s Scots marched to a 4-3-2 record behind team captain Kenneth Shepard’s leadership in 1953.

As a sophomore in 1954, Behind quarterback Bob Shelton and team captains Clarence Shepard and Jerry King, White would improve on his athletic and leadership skills.

Key wins over Hiwassee, Centre, Samford, and Concord as well as a 14-14 tie against Emory & Henry highlighted MC’s season.

White’s Scots finished the 1954 season with the same record as his freshman year with four wins, three losses, and a pair of ties.

Buddy’s junior season saw the 180 pound back surrounded by 17 returning lettermen. Team Captains Ted Godfrey and Jack Renfro watched the “fast driving” back keep opposing defenses at bay. When #33 was not scoring touchdowns, he was a steady foot with extra points, drop kicks and field goals for the Scots.

Maryville managed a win over the University of Tennessee’s B Team (20-12) and ended the season with victories over Samford and Concord.

In 1956, White’s senior year, Buddy was named team captain. Against Tennessee Wesleyan College Maryville won 21-6. White deposited three extra points followed by two touchdowns- an eight yard dash for a score off-tackle and a 30 yard jaunt to the end zone. Coach Honaker described Buddy as “a most potent offensive weapon” following his complete performance.

Maryville’s wins featured the dazzling runs of White. Often times he would carry the pigskin 15 to 20 times a game. The Scots ended the season and White’s collegiate career defeating Concord 20-7. In the Concord game, White’s efforts featured a pair of scores. He hit pay dirt from one yard out and a 45 yard dash that featured outstanding blocking and some of the meanest, toughest stiff arms ever seen. He followed his running efforts with his 71st and 72nd points scored on the season by looting a pair of extra points. At the conclusion of the 1956 season, Buddy White was named a Little All-American for his outstanding season. To date Buddy is one of only 36 Maryville College Fighting Scots to be named an All-American in Maryville’s 115 years of collegiate football. He joins fellow teammates Clarence Shepard and Jerry King to earn the national honor.

Buddy moved to Texas upon graduation to work with Eastman. He was a highly successful businessman which ran his own business until his death. He is survived by his wife Johnnie, his three daughters Sara, Marty, and Allison and his seven grandchildren.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present you Johnnie Waters-White, Buddy’s widow from Plano, Texas. Maryville College and its Wall of Fame Committee would like to welcome 2008 inductee Buddy White to the Wall of Fame. Congratulations to the White family!