Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

A three-sport star at Lenoir-Rhyne, Walt Cornwell has become known as one of the best all-around athletes in L-R history.  A native of Lincolnton, Cornwell was a four-year starter in football, basketball and baseball and made all-conference teams in each of those during his college career.  In addition, he was named to all-district teams in each sport and was an all-state selection in football and baseball.  As a single-wing tailback in 1956, Cornwell averaged 7.4 yards per carry for 100 rushes, a school-record.  In baseball, he won games with both his arm and his bat, pitching and playing the outfield and chalking up a .400 batting average during the 1956 season.  He was also an honor student at L-R.  His athletic accomplishments didn't end with his graduation in 1957 either.  Cornwell won championships in both football and baseball at St. Stephens High School, earning league coach of the year honors in both sports and then was assistant football and head baseball coach at Lenoir-Rhyne for 10 years.  Cornwell was also coordinator of health and physical education for the Catawba County School System.