Gordon White
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- Class of:
- 1924
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- Induction Class of:
- 1971
Member of Monogram Club for four years, Gordon "Pap" White distinguished himself on the gridiron before his coaching tenure at Roanoke began. He was considered one of the best and most aggressive guards ever coached by Coach Guy Spruhan on the hardwood.
In 1928, he returned to Roanoke College as an assistant basketball coach and in 1931 became Athletic Director. He coached at Roanoke for 12 seasons and compiled a 116-67, including the first 20-win season in school history in 1938-39 (21-3). His two-year record of 40-5 was the best mark until 1982.
Roanoke College received national recognition on the basketball court through the "Five Smart Boys." From 1937-39, basketball teams rated among the top-10 in the College Division and put Roanoke basketball on the map.
