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Class of 1991
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Dr. John Mapp
It is hard to say whether John Mapp was a football or a track star. Born in Portsmouth and raised in Norfolk, Mapp first gained prominence in track at Granby High School. In 1950, while attending the Virginia Military Institute, he played on the freshman football team, since at the time first year students were ineligible for varsity sports. He played defensive back that year and led the team in tackles and interceptions.
In the spring, he was again a track standout. As a sophomore, Mapp twice outscored the opposition teams single handedly, winning five events in a single track meet including hurdles, dashes and the broad jump. In the fall of that year he was back on the gridiron, starting every game for the football team as a defensive back. He had three pass interceptions that year, averaging more than 50 yards per return and receiving honorable mention All-Southern honors. In his junior year he collected 10 interceptions as well as recognition as second team All-State and first team All-Southern. Back on the track, he broke indoor records including three VMI school marks in one day. After winning state and conference titles, he finished third in the NCAA. Mapp’s senior year was even more remarkable. He earned four first place finishes at the conference meet, scored 21 points in the state AAU meet, and finished second in the low hurdles at the NCAA meet at Michigan. Mapp also finished second in the National AAU low hurdles.
In football his senior year Mapp was co-captain of the VMI team which won the state championship. Mapp not only played defense, but on offense he led the team with 13 touchdowns, tied for third in the nation. His average of 5.8 yards per carry led the state and conference and was 25th in the nation. Mapp returned kickoffs and punts; intercepted three passes, had ten receptions and was the team’s punter. The sportswriters’ overwhelming choice as Southern Conference Athlete of the Year, Mapp was first team All-State and All-Southern in football. He was also honorable mention AP All-American, and Football Player of the Year in Virginia
But Mapp had his sights on a career in medicine and not in sports. In 1956 he declined a coach’s offer to help him train for the Melbourne Olympics. He also turned down professional football after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Still, Dr. John Mapp will always be remembered as one of the finest collegiate athletes in Virginia sports history.
(To Sports Inductees List) |
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