Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Albert Spurlock compiled an extraordinary athletic record during his years at Lenoir-Rhyne College.  His feats at the Hickory institution are legendary, and veteran sports fans even compare him with Jim Thorpe (Explain who this is - not everyone may know).  He starred in football, basketball, baseball and track until his graduation in 1927.  Known during his college days as the "premier toe artist of the South," Spurlock was credited with punts as long as 87 yards in the air - this in addition to being the football team's leading rusher and scorer.  Spurlock also excelled in baseball and track and soon became the Bears' ace pitcher and cinderman.  His track performances were phenomenal, and twice he almost won the state meet single-handedly.  The Lenoir-Rhyne sensation taught and coached for several years before serving a stint in the Army Air Corps and working for Rand McNally Publishing Company.  In 1951, he launched a 24-year career as Education Coordinator for the Catawba County Schools.  Though his playing days are over, Spurlock continued to serve the athletic community for many years.  He directed the Southern District VII High School Basketball Tournament and built it into an event which annually overflows Lenoir-Rhyne's 3,600-seat Shuford Gymnasium.