Elmore “Scoop” Hudgins was one of the best known sports figures in Tennessee. A pint-sized package of energy and personality, “Scoop” helped blaze the trail in sports publicity. He started out at his alma mater, Vanderbilt, where he had been a member of the varsity wresting team and a campus leader in the 1940s. At Vanderbilt, Hudgins served as the Commodores’ sports information director for eighteen years. He then became the first sports information director in the Southeastern Conference office, and after nineteen years, ended his career with the title of Assistant Commissioner for Public Relations. Hudgins served two terms as president of the SEC Sports Information Directors when he was at Vanderbilt, and after assuming his position with the conference, served as president of the national organization, COSIDA. Hudgins originated the “Top Twenty Coaches” rankings which are now recognized by most college athletic establishments. He began with football coaches but eventually expanded the rankings to include basketball and baseball. Hudgins also helped develop a number of improved methods for recording and publishing game statistics in football and basketball. Born in Chattanooga, Elmore “Scoop” Hudgins served his home state well. He provided a crucial role in Vanderbilt and SEC sports history, and he will always be remembered for his excellence in sports publicity.
