The Dalhousie Tigers - Dalhousie University

When Scott Henderson graduated from Dalhousie with his Bachelor of Law degree in 1953, an oft-used quote accompanied his picture and short bio reading “Actions speak louder than words.” No statement could be more appropriate for describing Scott, a dedicated multi-sport athlete at Dalhousie who let his play speak for him. A Tiger who played alongside some other big names, and just prior to many more, Scott Henderson helped to set the standard of excellence expected of those who would don the Black and Gold.

From 1948 to 1952 Scott was a starting player for the men’s varsity basketball team and in 1951-52 he was co-captain of the team. Described as a “spectacular guard,” Scott always found ways to contribute to the team success. This includes leading the Tigers back from 17 points down to win 55-54 in the final minute over Acadia to capture a Halifax and District senior basketball title. In 1950 he was part of the Halifax All-Star team that took on powerful St. Francis Xavier University. Later in his basketball career, he would lead the way for Dalhousie against another nationally dominant team from St.FX. In February of 1952 Scott scored 17 points to lead the Tigers over the X-Men and end their much heralded winning streak at 24 games. Scott could be counted upon to play steady, and always found something extra to give in important games. It was also while on a basketball trip, bumping a teammate out of the seat next to her, that Scott met his wife to be Jans Wilson, a star Dalhousie athlete in her own right.

The gridiron of Canadian football provided another venue for Scott to create more memorable moments. A stalwart backfield point scorer who, like most from his day, played both offense and defense, Scott was a key performer for the football Tigers from 1946 to 1953. Known for his dangerous speed, the team often relied on him for point production.  One can imagine his play when reading descriptions of a game versus the Wanderers in 1950 that appeared in the papers as “Most exciting play of the game was a twisting, dodging, driving run by Scott Henderson from Dalhousie’s 50-yard line to the Wanderers goal zone. He went over with Murray Malloy wrapped around his ankles, both sliding across the goal line.” Another description describes the action as “…twisted out of the grasp of Don Burlton, reeled past the Wanders secondary and outraced Peatros and Malloy to the goal line.” Player of the Game honours went to Scott that day, despite a one-point Dalhousie loss.

Since Canadian football was a relatively new sport, there were many ups and downs during Scott’s time at Dalhousie. The Tigers developed a reputation as a dangerous offensive team who paired that with solid defending which lead to many exciting games, regardless of the outcome.  A highlight of the team’s success came in 1951 when the Tigers captured the Purdy Cup, which at that time was awarded to the champion of the Halifax City Canadian Football League.

The 1952 football season produced much excitement not only for Dalhousie, but Halifax as well. The league was closely contested from start to finish and included an exhibition game versus Royal Military College from Ontario played in front of over 2,300 paying fans. In October Scott played an outstanding game against Cornwallis his efforts producing three interceptions and four touchtowns! It was in this season that Scott received recognition for his football skills as he was awarded the inaugural Mike Milovick Memorial Trophy as the leagues’ highest scorer. In the 1952 season Scott scored 11 touchdowns in 8 games for a total of 55 points. As described in the local newspaper, “This would seem to indicate that the sturdy young man with the springy legs is the league’s best ball carrier. You could say that. Others may run a bit faster.  Some may be more spectacular. But for consistent ball-carrying, you’d have to rate Henderson at the top of the list.”

Despite often keeping the fans on the edge of their seats, Scott was never an outspoken or flashy athlete; he let his performances speak for him. As a Dalhousian, Scott was awarded the Climo Award for Dalhousie’s Top Male Athlete for the 1949-50 season, and received a Gold “D” in 1952 for three years of outstanding contribution to Dalhousie Athletics.

Following in the footsteps of his parents, the late Dr. and Mrs. R. Smith Henderson, who in 1951 were honoured with a special “fan support” award after attending just about every Dalhousie sporting event that year, Scott was a avid fan after his competitive days were over. A loyal member of the Dalhousie Black and Gold Club, he rarely missed games at Dalhousie, or to watch his children and grandchildren play at their respective schools. In fact could often be found shooting hoops with his grandchildren while he was in his seventies.