Hall of Fame
Rushton was a standout on YHC’s baseball team and returned to the College in 1948 to coach the men’s and women’s basketball teams. He also started the tennis program in 1951, coaching the sport through 1969, and served as athletic director.
He led the men’s basketball team to 462 wins in 21 seasons and a No. 1 national ranking in 1961. He had six State Junior College Championships and three Southeastern Junior College Championships. He took his team to the National Junior College Tournament three times.
Known as the “Dean of Georgia Junior College Basketball,” he was twice named Georgia Junior College Coach by the Atlanta Tip-Off Club and was inducted into the Northeast Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
“Coach Rushton led by example—I learned from his actions. He was a good teacher, coach and person,” said former player Bill Roberts, ’52. “He wanted the best for you and helped you want it too. His impact transcended beyond the court,” added Phil Meadows, ’62.
The all-time winningest basketball coach in the College’s history, Rushton’s legacy lives on. When the sport returned to YHC in 2010, the mountain lion mascot was named in his honor.
