Nowell to be inducted into ECCC Athletic Hall of Fame

For Sam Nowell, the announcement of his induction into the East Central Community College Athletic Hall of Fame is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a moment of profound gratitude.

“There is absolutely nothing in this world that could make me prouder or more humbled than being named to the East Central Community College Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Nowell, a 1969 graduate.

Nowell’s basketball journey began under the tutelage of Coach Ken Fortenberry at Neshoba Central, where teamwork was paramount.

“Neshoba Central was known as a basketball school back then,” Nowell said. “We played a team-oriented game, and all had good stats, but none stood out much from one player to the other, except my old friend, Art Fulton, who was our best player and an All-State selection. We consistently won 25-30 games each year.”

Following high school, Nowell was given a scholarship by then-ECCC head coach Joe Clark, who Nowell said played a crucial role in his development. "He saw potential in a skinny, 135-pound point guard who wasn’t on the top of anyone's recruiting list," Nowell said.

“He let me develop in a faster system than we had in high school, and I flourished.”

Transitioning to East Central Community College marked a pivotal shift in Nowell’s career. He averaged 13 points and seven assists per game, led the team in free throws with 134 attempts, and had a 78 percent free throw average.

The 1969 season was particularly memorable, as Nowell’s sophomore class led EC to a 17-9 record, marking the college’s first winning season in a long time.

“My best performances were often against our bitter rivals, East Mississippi, where my scoring average soared to over 20 points per game," Nowell said.

The memories from Nowell’s time at EC are rich and varied. “Art Fulton and I always kept a bottle of Pepto Bismol on the bench, a quirky tradition that became a hallmark of our games,” he recalled.

These experiences were not just about basketball but also about forging enduring friendships.

"When I married my wife, June, in 1971, four of my EC teammates stood by my side in the wedding,” Nowell said.

These bonds have remained strong over the years, with regular gatherings and shared retirement experiences.

“I’ll never forget the camaraderie we shared, facilitated by Coach Clark’s easy-going demeanor and the absence of any internal bickering or drama during my two years at EC,” Nowell said.

He still keeps in touch with many of his East Central friends, including Art Fulton, Ben Johnson, Sammy Pace, Larry (Twig) Gressett, Grady Boozer, Danny Musgrove, and Bill Griffis. He and Art drink coffee every week at Stribling Drugstore in Philadelphia.

“Art has been my soulmate since way back in the fourth grade! And Sammy even let me take his credit card on my honeymoon!” Nowell said.

He and Pace, a former ECCC women’s basketball head coach, were teammates at East Central and later roomed together at Mississippi State.

Pace said, “It’s no secret that Sam was not highly recruited out of high school, and when he was signed at East Central, it was because the coach at Neshoba persuaded Joe Clark to sign him.

“However, Sam was extremely dependable, and he worked really hard to get recognized on the court, not for the recognition itself, but because he wanted to be the point guard! And it paid off because his sophomore year he was a unanimous selection for All-State!”

Pace and Nowell also played intramurals together at MSU. “Sam was also an engineering major, so after we got in at night, he spent time studying while I had a good time playing cards,” Pace said.

“He was a wonderful roommate and the kind of guy you could look up to, a true friend always. Sam is a wonderful person, and I am thrilled he has been selected for the Hall of Fame.”

East Central was more than a place for Nowell to play basketball; it was a formative experience. “We lived in Winston Hall, a hot and cramped dormitory, but those conditions brought us closer together,” he said.

The small campus, with just over 700 students at the time, made it easy to get to know everyone and participate in various activities. During his sophomore year, Nowell was elected vice president of the Student Body Association and Mr. ECCC, an honor he said is still among his most cherished.

Nowell said campus activities, dormitory life and long travel on buses forced him to learn new study habits and he recalled his academic struggles in chemistry.

“I had an A average all through high school. I earned my first-ever D in chemistry under Mr. Frank Cross, a challenging experience that nearly sent me packing. However, Mr. Cross and I became close friends later on,” he said, highlighting the supportive environment at EC, which helped him overcome personal challenges and grow.

Nowell worked as an industrial engineer for several years before joining State Farm Insurance as the Philadelphia agent.

He said his career allowed him to put to use the lessons learned at East Central so many years ago – working with people, having a caring attitude, setting goals, and being there for people in their times of despair. 

Nowell and his wife, June, still reside in Neshoba County. In addition to Ty, they have a daughter, Meredith, and six grandchildren.