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McKendree Mourns the Loss of Sports Information Director, Scott Cummings

Sports Information Director. Scott passed away on December 3, 2020, at a local hospital, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife Paula, daughter Hailey, and son Ryan.

Words will never do justice to Scott’s contribution to this University, to our community, and well beyond. In August 1999, Scott joined McKendree University as the sports information director and the broadcasting voice of Bearcat Athletics. For more than 20 years, he was the ultimate servant, often spending 60, 70, 80 hours a week strictly focusing on promoting others. He wrote thousands of press releases, traveled thousands of miles on a bus, and called the play-by-play for hundreds of games, including a streak of 295 consecutive football games dating back to 1992 at his alma mater Union College (Ky.).

In 2005, he was awarded the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association’s Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award for his outstanding contributions to the sports information profession. In May, Scott received the College Sports Information Directors of America (COSIDA) 25-Year Award for his many years of commitment and service to the athletic communications profession.

In a recent interview, Scott was asked what he enjoyed most about being an SID. He responded with, “the relationships built with our internal staff, coaches, student-athletes and – to me most importantly – fellow sports information directors. We’re all in this together, and the camaraderie built with other SID’s is extremely important to make things “work.” The chance to learn new ideas and share things with other SID’s is so important because it’s the best way to grow in the profession.”

He was a mentor to many and a friend to all.  I will always remember Scott for his “can-do” attitude and his willingness and desire to put others first. He cared deeply about all of us and would do anything to ensure we were taken care of.  It’s important that we come together as a McKendree family and give back to Scott by rallying around the Cummings family throughout this difficult time. Please join me in keeping them, and Scott’s friends and colleagues, in your thoughts and prayers.

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