UMass Lowell Athletics

(1979) - John T. (Scotty) McKniff was a true all-around athlete earning varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball at Lowell Textile. Although he graduated with the class of 1948, McKniff had entered LTI in the fall of 1941 but was forced to leave school to serve over three years in the Navy during World War II.

After a fine three sport freshman year, the 1942 football schedule, expect for one game, was cancelled because of the war. McKniff left for his duty and returned to play again beginning with the 1945-46 basketball schedule.

He was an outstanding end on the football team, a center and forward on the basketball court, and a fine outfielder in baseball. The former hoop captain was the high scorer on the 1945-46 team with 245 points. He also served as captain of the baseball team. On the baseball diamond, he possessed superb hitting skills while on defense he was a flawless fielder. In 1946, he intercepted a Norwich pass and ran it back 35 yards for the only touchdown in an important 6-0 football victory.

McKniff was selected to receive the prestigious Lester H. Cushing Award as the Outstanding Senior Athlete in 1948.