C.R. "Dudy" Noble (1970) - Hall of Fame

C.R. "Dudy" Noble

Induction:
1970
Class:
1915

Clark Randolph “Dudy” Noble is a name that is centered around Mississippi State Athletics. Noble was one of only four athletes in MSU history to letter in four sports: baseball, basketball, track, and football from 1910 to 1915. He also served the university’s athletic department in every capacity.

In his time as an athlete at the University, Noble became one of the greats in every sport. He was the starting quarterback for his last two seasons on the football team and played in every minute of every game during the 1915 season. In the only time MSU faced rivals Ole Miss, Noble threw three touchdown passes and scored two touchdowns, beating the Rebels 65-0. In track, he won the 100 and 220-yard dashes for two straight years in the conference meet, and he accumulated more points in dual and conference meets than any track man in MSU history, except for three Olympic runners at the time. He was starting centerfielder on the diamond for three years and captained the 1914 team. In 1915, he was named captain of the basketball team and was also a regular member of the Aggie quintet in 1914 that went 13-2.

After his time as an athlete, Noble went on to be a head coach for a multitude of sports. He coached two different teams from 1916 to 1918, before coming back to his Alma Mater, where he dedicated 40 years of his life to improving Mississippi State Athletics. He was the head coach of the Mississippi State baseball program from 1920 to 1948, because his duties in the athletic department began requiring all of his attention. His baseball teams were among the strongest in the Southland, and he sent a multitude of his players to the major leagues, including MSU legend, Boo Ferris, whom he also gave the first scholarship in Mississippi history to. He also spent a short tenure as the freshman coach for the football team.

While serving in the athletic department, Noble acted in every capacity. He was the athletic director for two tenures, 1930 to 1934, then again in 1937 until he retired in 1959. In his terms as athletic director, he brought MSU to be one of the ranking powers in the SEC, and the athletic program expanded to its present excellent status. He played a hand in creating Scott Stadium, the Frank Turman Field House, a new cinder track around Scott Field, a football practice field, tennis courts, handball courts, and a new dormitory for student athletes. One of the most impactful builds during the Nobles era was the creation of MSU’s beloved Dudy Noble Field, named after him, which, with improvements throughout the years, has remained one of the best ballparks in the country since it was built in 1928.

He received many awards and honors throughout his life, including being one of the first four inductees into the Helms Hall of Fame. The SEC also honored him with a testimony and tribute after he retired from Mississippi State and awarded him a plaque for his 40 years of dedication to MSU and the Southeastern Conference as the dean of athletic officials. After his passing, he was inducted into the American Association of College Baseball Coaches.