R.C. Arrington Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame
Richard “R.C.” Arrington only played one year for Massillon, in 1943, but he made a solid impact, excelling at tackle of both sides of the ball. As such, he was named 1st Team All-Ohio on a team that finished 10-0 and was awarded the state championship. The head coach was previous Tiger All-Ohio player Elwood Kammer.
During that year Massillon averaged 28 points per game and surrendered just two touchdowns, one to Akron West and one to Steubenville in a 33-6 victory. The Tigers also handed Canton McKinley their only loss of season by the score of 21-0. In that one, Arrington was credited with one of the touchdowns via a 61-yard return of an intercepted pass. In addition, he blocked a punt that led to another score.
A multi-sport athlete, Arrington also played basketball.
With World War II underway, he then entered the U.S. Army and advanced to the rank of staff sergeant. College would need to wait until he had completed his service.
South Carolina State University became Arrington’s home for the following four years. During his first season he was named to the All-Conference Freshman Team and was thereafter an outstanding player for the varsity. Later, he was inducted into the South Carolina State University Hall of Fame for football. Interestingly, he returned to his alma mater at a point in his career to become the head golf coach.
Arrington is a member of the Negro Old-Tigers Hall of Fame. In 2019 he was inducted into the Amateur Basketball Hall of Fame. Now he is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.
He had a long life, spanning 1926 to 2021.
Congratulations to R.C. Arrington.
