Class of 1981
Sport: Sailing
Athletic Accomplishments:
In 1979 Scott was one of 20 U.S. collegians named tothe All-American sailing team. He and fellow qualifier, MontySpindler ’79 are St. Mary’s first All-Americans. He wasalso named to the all Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate SailingAssociation (MAISA) team. With help from Mike Ironmonger, St.Mary’s Waterfront Director, Scott and Monty started awindsurfing craze at the College. During 1979, Scott won theEastern Regional windsurfing championship and placed fifth inthe World Windsurfing Championship. In 1980 the College sponsoredthe first intercollegiate windsurfing regatta held in the U.S.Seven colleges participated and Scott won the free-style anddistance championships in the lightweight division. In 1981 Scottwas named to the All-American sailing team and the All-MAISA team,both for a second time.
Post-collegiate Highlights:
In 1983 Scott was named windsurfer world champion.In 1984 he ranked as the top male boardsurfer in the U.S. He wasalso the only U.S. athlete to participate in the windsurfingcompetition at the 1984 Summer Olympics, where he captured thesilver medal, despite being what the Baltimore Evening Suncalled “the smallest and most lightly regarded member of theU.S. sailing team.” He led the competition in early races,only to be edged out in the finals. Scott said, “I’mreally happy, most people thought I was doing well just to finishin the top ten.” In 1984 he was also honored by the Collegewith the Ark & Dove Award and named Annapolis Sailor of theYear. In 1985 he was named Annapolis Sailor of the Year for thesecond consecutive year. From 1989-1991 he was the U.S. Olympicwindsurfing coach. Scott was named head coach of GeorgetownUniversity’s co-ed varsity sailing team in 1995. In 1998 hewas one of five Anne Arundel County residents selected for theCounty’s Sports Hall of Fame. In 2009 he was named SevernSchool’s sailing coach.
Most Memorable Sports Experience at St.Mary’s:
“Winning the “A” division at theDenmark Trophy held at the US Coast Guard Academy by over 40 pointsand earning the school’s first major intersectional victorybeating out the top sailing programs in the nation.”
Most Missed:
“I miss the competition of college sailing asit has not been duplicated after college. I enjoy going back to theannual ‘Possum Bowl’ alumni regatta every year to bringback the great memories.”
Words of Advice for Today’s SeahawkAthlete:
“Practice like you compete, with a plan and a purposeevery time you go out on the water!”
Since St. Mary’s:
“North American business manager for HydeSails and work part-time as the head sailing coach for the SevernSchool, my high school that I graduated from in 1976.”
Involvement in Sports Today:
“I sometimes compete in a few events peryear.”
Other Thoughts/Memories:
“My St. Mary’s experience laid the foundation for meto reach the Olympic Games, become a silver medalist andrecipient of great awards that has landed me in several Hall ofFames including the Anne Arundel County Hall of Fame and the RhodeIsland Heritage Hall of Fame for my success in sailing andwindsurfing."
