Ronald Raymond “Scat” Lawson, Sr., born on April 26, 1941, made an indelible mark on high school sports in Tennessee, culminating in his 2004 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. Lawson's coaching career, primarily between 1964 and 1971, with a brief period in 1985-1986, left a legacy of excellence and achievement.

Beginning his coaching journey at Cameron High School in Nashville from 1964 to 1971, Lawson coached boys' basketball to an impressive record of 141 wins and 18 losses. During his tenure, his teams clinched multiple titles, including Burt Invitational Champions, three District Championships, two Nashville Interscholastic League Champions, two Regional Championships, and two coveted TSSAA State Championships in 1970 and 1971. Notably, the 1971 team remained undefeated throughout the season with a record of 32 wins and no losses.

Lawson’s coaching prowess was evident as his 1969-70 and 1970-71 teams won 61 out of 62 games, including a city record 55 straight victories, which propelled them to a #3 National Ranking. His contributions were recognized with several accolades, including being named Tennessee Coach of the Year in 1970-71 and being nominated for the US High School Coach of the Year from Tennessee in 1970.

After his remarkable stint at Cameron High School, Lawson transitioned to Fisk University, where he served as the head men’s basketball coach from 1971 to 1979. Here, he became the all-time winningest coach percentage-wise, winning 67% of his games. His impact extended beyond the court, as evidenced by 75% of Lawson’s Fisk players graduating.

Beyond coaching, Lawson played basketball at UCLA, contributing to his profound understanding of the game. His significant achievements and dedication to sports in Tennessee were immortalized in 2004 when he was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame, a testament to his outstanding service and lasting legacy in high school athletics.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2004
Category: Coach