{
Athletics
}
Davis and Elkins College Establishes New Raymond Clive Watson Scholarship By Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Staff Writer and Graphic Designer
D
avis & Elkins College announces a new scholarship that honors a former student who exemplified excellence both on and off the D&E basketball court. The scholarship honors Raymond Clive Watson (Class of 1987), who passed away in October of 2010. According to his widow, Ann Margaret Tinney-Watson (Class of 1986), who established the endowed award, the scholarship is intended to support a student athlete in his endeavor to receive a higher education.
person,” he said. “This honors his character.”
“This is the best way to honor his memory,” she said. “Although Clive was recruited from England to play basketball, education was the whole reason he came to the U.S.” Margaret met Clive at D&E where she was immediately impressed with his dedication to his studies. “For him, that came first,” she said.
“My role now is to get kids to college—as a student athlete, education should come first,” he said. “That is part of my friend’s legacy.”
Joe Super, Clive’s former basketball coach at D&E, agrees. He had recruited Clive and always felt he was the perfect gentleman. “He never used a cross word and I often held him as a standard for my own son.” “As wonderful as he was as an athlete, Clive was a hundred times better as a person,” Joe said. “This scholarship is the perfect way to honor him. So often people focus on just the athletic attributes of a
22 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Clive’s former roommate, Tony Biggers (Class of 1987) was also impressed with Clive – from that first handshake in the dorm room as a freshman to watching each other’s children grow older. Tony, now a high school basketball coach in Baltimore, highly values the years he and Clive remained close. His experiences at D&E and that friendship influenced his decision to become an educational sports consultant.
For Margaret, she’s thankful to be able to endow this scholarship to continue that legacy. “He always based his life on setting a good example; on being the type of person you ought to be. I know that he would’ve wanted to help others and I hope others will be inspired to help as well.” The Watson Scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the men’s basketball team who demonstrates both financial need and academic merit. First preference will be given to a member of a racial or ethnic minority. Commenting on Margaret Watson’s spirit of generosity, Pat Schumann, Vice President for College Advancement said, “Her beautiful act of honoring his memory in this way speaks volumes about her character and commitment. The scholarship seeks to perpetuate how Clive, who died too young, inspired and helped others. Not only was he an excellent student, he was a leader both on and off the court.” At a Senators home basketball game in February, Margaret and her son, Matthew, were presented with a framed jersey, retiring Clive’s number 30, from members of the current team. “We are so grateful for her endowment,” Schumann said at the presentation. “It demonstrates what we truly believe: once a part of the D&E family, always a part.” For more information contact the D&E Office of Advancement, 304-637-1340.
Friends and family of the late Raymond Clive Watson, gathered to announce a scholarship named in his honor. Front row, from left, Debbie Super, Ann Margaret Tinney-Watson and Elizabeth Tinney. Back row, from left, Joe Super, former D&E basketball coach; the Watsons' son, Matthew Watson; and Troy Newbraugh, former D&E classmate and scholarship supporter.