Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Arden F. Ray became well known to football fans as a Lenoir-Rhyne standout in the '50's, and he kept his name before the public for many years thereafter as a championship coach at Mount Pleasant and Northwest Cabarrus High Schools. Ray came to Lenoir-Rhyne in 1951 and played on coach Clarence Stasavich's first four championship teams - in 1951, 1952, 1955 and 1956.  His college career was interrupted by military service in 1953 and 1954.   As an all-conference selection and Lenoir-Rhyne's most improved player in 1952, Ray was sorely missed while he was in the U.S. Army, but his grid skills did not diminish during his tour of duty.  Upon his return, he made all-conference, all-state and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' All-American Teams in 1955 and 1956.  Ray was also his team's best defensive player in those two years and made the Associated Press All-American Team in the latter.  As a coach in Mount Pleasant and Northwest Cabarrus High Schools, Ray led his teams to three girls' basketball conference championships and seven football crowns.  His 1964 Mount Pleasant team took the state title as well.  Ray retired from coaching in 1975 and earned his master's degree.  He taught at the Cabarrus County School System.