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A multi-sport star, Cecil Griffin excelled in basketball, football, track and field and baseball at the Norfolk Division from 1938-40. He was an outstanding world class sprinter. In a 1939 dual meet against Wake Forest, Griffin ran a 9.9 in the 100 yard dash while teammate and ODU Hall of Famer Johnny Brown ran a 9.8. It was recorded as one of the fastest dash runs in intercollegiate track and field that season. In football, Griffin played both ways for the Tommy Scott coached Braves. He was a standout as a defensive end and receiver. In a game against Georgetown's freshman squad, Griffin helped stop a drive with a sack for a ten yard loss and then recovered a fumble. The unbeaten Hoyas eventually won the game in the final minutes of play. This same Georgetown team played in the Orange Bowl two years later. Griffin was the leading scorer for the Norfolk Division in basketball during his two seasons. He averaged over 20 points per game, playing center. Besides the 100 yard dash, Griffin ran the 220 and competed in the broad jump and the Javelin. He was also the captain of the Norfolk Division's basketball team. After completing his career at the Division, Griffin earned a scholarship to William and Mary where he excelled as one of the basketball team's top scorers. Griffin earned a commission as an ensign at Columbia University in 1943. He served in mine warfare forces in the Mediterranean during World War II and later in the Pacific. After nearly 23 years in the Navy, Griffin retired as a full commander and went to work with Seaboard Citizens bank. He later became vice-president and regional personnel director until he retired. Griffin taught at Tulane University's College of Business Administration. He and his family reside at Southern Shores in Kitty Hawk, NC.
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