Seattle Pacific University Athletics

Raised in Kansas, where James Naismith was first successful in pushing basketball from the peach basket era into a popular collegiate sport, Dr. C. Hoyt Watson probably was already sold on the value of athletics when he became Seattle Pacific’s third president in 1926. Convincing others and instituting intercollegiate varsity athletics are just portions of his lasting legacy.

The Free Methodist Church was clear: “Football and all intercollegiate sport contests are forbidden.” However, Watson went forward, first introducing recreation classes and activities, and later, in 1942-43, bringing aboard basketball as a collegiate sport.

While church leaders debated the issue, its colleges built athletic programs. Dr. Watson hired Harold McNeese as his first full-time coach. Later, he brought Dr. Kent Foreman, Dale Parker and Les Habegger to campus.

In 1947-48, Watson was instrumental in organizing a basketball tournament involving the Falcons and three other Free Methodist schools. Furthermore, he convinced the Board of Trustees that a permanent basketball facility was needed, and in 1953, Royal Brougham Pavilion officially opened.

Watson’s commitment to leadership in recreational education and intercollegiate athletics will not be forgotten.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Seattle Pacific president, 1926-59.

• First articulated a clear vision for intercollegiate athletics.