Jim Murdaugh

"Big Jim" Murdaugh, a member of the Freed-Hardeman College basketball team from 1936 to 1938, broke the world record for most points scored in a single game by racking up 78 points against Bethel College, January 11, 1938. The old mark of 75 points had stood since 1912.

Recounting the 115-30 win, Murdaugh said that at half-time, Coach Dick Stewart decided that the time had come to go for the record. He asked the team who would be the man to try. They voted for Murdaugh because he was the leading scorer at the half. The 6'4" Murdaugh responded by scoring 62 points in the second half. He only missed two field goals and one foul shot.

The Skyrocket, the student newspaper, reported that throughout the game Murdaugh was covered by two Bethel men. "I had a lot of ‘em on me," he said. "The team had to feed the ball to me all the time…I was hot that night. It was an exciting game."

At FHC, Murdaugh was the leading scorer of the Mississippi Valley Conference. He was described as a "court magician" who could "shoot with either hand, from all angles and with his back to the goal."

Murdaugh was also a baseball standout. Playing for the Jackson Generals and the Lexington Giants in the Kitty League, he led first basemen in fielding with a record of .988 in 1997.

Murdaugh took his talent to Memphis and the Park Commission Leagues. He soon became known as one of the best basketball players in the Mid-South. With Murdaugh's overpowering strength added to the talents of others, the teams of Ford V-8, Coca-Cola Bottlers, Goldcrest and the Naval Air Station became city champions in Memphis.

Murdaugh continued his interest in sports by becoming an official. The Memphis Park Commission said… "for 50 years he has been one of the South's leading referees." In 1982 he was named to the Memphis Park Commission's Sports Hall of Fame.