Doc Davis Honored
Doc Davis was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Davis & Elkins College Alumni Soccer Council 
during annual reunion festivities over Deja Vu 2001. Davis, 77, was instrumental in the development and organization of the Senators' first varsity team and was responsible for helping launch what is now a tradition-rich program. A native of Philadelphia, PA, Davis came to Elkins to teach English and help the humanities curriculum grow beyond the confines of Albert Hall. He played several years of amateur soccer with various clubs in urban Philadelphia, but focused on coaching once he laid eyes on the plush fields on campus.
Several of Davis's first varsity athletes journeyed back to Elkins to celebrate his efforts in leading the team to victory. For some, it was the first time back on campus in decades. Jim Bushyeager, a member of the 1961 inaugural squad, traveled from his home in Florida to reunite with Davis and fellow teammates Andy Maros, David Clapp and George Lauderbaugh. "This is one of the best tributes we could have for someone like Doc, especially with his contributions to the soccer program in the early days," Bushyeager said following the award ceremony. Coincidentally, Bushyeager scored the Senators' first varsity goal against West Virginia University in September 1961. That match was played in the front of campus adjacent to Albert Hall, where tennis courts and an outdoor amphitheatre now overlook the city park.
For fellow alums David Clapp, Andy Maros and George Lauderbaugh, the joy of being together again, on campus and among generations of former players made the journey special for many reasons. "I remember my D&E days like they were here today," commented Lauderbaugh, who along with fellow standout Joe Carroll was a member of the TKE fraternity that had its chapter housed in Graceland. "Everything is the same at D&E in terms of the people and the feeling you get when you're on campus. I wouldn't have missed this for the world!".