SHOF – Arthur Hitchcock

Arthur Hitchcock, a native of Grenada and a 1973 Holmes Community College alumnus, is being inducted into the Holmes Community College Sports Hall of Fame.

Hitchcock lettered two years in football and earned All-State honors. He also received the RAS Branch Memorial Award in 1972.

As a student, Hitchcock was active in the Civitan Club and student government, serving as vice president and later president.

Hitchcock said his fondest memories at Holmes include lifelong friendships and winning the 1972 Homecoming game. He credits the relationships with faculty and staff as being unique at the college level.

After Holmes, Hitchcock continued his career at Delta State University, where he earned numerous accolades during his two seasons with the Statesmen. He was named Defensive Player of the Week, earned multiple All-Gulf South Conference honors, was selected to the second team Academic All-American list and was recognized in Who’s Who of American Colleges.

Hitchcock’s love for the game led to a 35-year coaching career in the Mississippi public school system. He coached at Kosciusko, Hattiesburg, Philadelphia, Mendenhall, Grenada, Madison Central, Pelahatchie and McLaurin.

Four of Hitchcock’s former players have been inducted into the Holmes Sports Hall of Fame, and more than 30 of his former high school players went on to play football at Holmes.

“The part Holmes has played in my coaching career is that it has given players the opportunity to continue their education and athletic careers and become successful adults,” Hitchcock said. “They were able to use football to get an education and improve their lives.”

In 1985, Hitchcock was named Coach of the Year by The Meridian Star. He also earned MAC Football Coach of the Year honors in 1988-89 and was recognized by the Mississippi Association of Coaches in 2011.

Hitchcock resides in Mendenhall and remains an avid sports fan. He has two sons, Jay, 44, and Blake, 39, and five grandchildren.