Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Emil W. Parker (posthumous) (Lenoir-Rhyne, 1962) is best known for his work as Sports Information Director at Davidson College, where he held the position for 31 years (1968-99).  However, Parker also worked as a sports writer and reporter for The Hickory Daily Record, The Charlotte Observer, The Statesville Record & Landmark and The Gaston Gazette.  Parker, who started his career in sports information as a student at L-R during the football and basketball glory years, received the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) 25-year award in 1994 and earned a place in the CoSIDA Hall of Fame in 1999.  Parker won the Carolina Collegiate Press Association Award as Best Sports Writer in 1962 and was inducted into the Davidson College Hall Of Fame in 2001.  In addition, Parker served as a member and writer at the United States Air National Guard and as a stint as Director of Athletics at Davidson College.  Parker and his wife, Iotha, have two children:  Jennifer and John.  Parker passed away in July of 2000.