Marietta College Athletics

Rutherford (deceased), was a three-sport athlete at Marietta College earning eight varsity letters before an injury ended his career in the fall of 1948. He lettered three years in football and baseball and two in basketball. A member of Don Drumm’s all-time great football team, he was described by the legendary Pioneer coach as “the greatest all-round athlete this school ever had, and pound for pound one of the greatest athletes I have ever seen.”

Rutherford led the 1946-47 basketball team in scoring and hit .372 with 21 stolen bases in 15 games during the 1948 baseball season. Despite his success in basketball and baseball, he is best known for his performance on the football field. He led the Pioneer gridders in scoring and rushing in each of his three seasons.

Rutherford is survived by his wife Mary Anne Strava Rutherford and his two children, John Chris and Rolanda