Larry Scott in the Star Tribune

Larry Scott was honored by MSU Moorhead for his 40 years as sports information director.

For the past 30 years, Minnesota State Moorhead has annually inducted new members into its athletic hall of fame.

But this year, the school did not have a new class for its hall of fame. Instead the school decided to honor Larry Scott.

The school chose to put the spotlight on Scott for his tireless behind-the-scenes work.

Scott, 63, who recently retired after serving 40 years as the school's sports information director, was honored last Saturday as part of the Dragons' homecoming weekend.

On his last official day of work, Scott was treated with a dinner at the 50-yard line of Alex Nemzek Stadium, the Dragons' home field. The stadium was an appropriate place for Scott's last meal as a Dragons employee. He attended every Dragons football game from 1967, when he was a student at Moorhead, through his retirement in June -- 427 consecutive games. Only four college sports information directors are believed to have surpassed 400 consecutive football games.

"Scotty's genuine interest in the thousands of student- athletes that he has covered over the past four decades will always stand out in my mind," MSU Moorhead athletic director Doug Peters said. "Even in retirement his focus continues to be on promoting our great university, outstanding student- athletes and the accomplishments of the Dragons."

University of Minnesota associate athletic director Marc Ryan said Scott deserves the praise.

"I am personally indebted for his leadership and guidance," said Ryan, a former Dragons student-athlete who interned under Scott. "I owe a lot to him. His loyalty to the school and Dragon athletics speaks for itself. It's neat that he is getting these accolades. He richly deserves them. It was never about him. Without a doubt, he is one of the best of the business."

Scott, who was elected to the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame in 1991, also served as the sports information director for the NIC (now NSIC) Conference for 25 years.

"In high school, Bob Peterson was my English and journalism teacher," said Scott, who was raised in Alexandria, Minn. "He went on to be the SID at the University of Minnesota. He was always so kind to me and was my mentor."

Despite his retirement, Scott will continue his association with the school.

"It's a blessing to still have a connection with the school," Scott said. "I'll volunteer and do what I can."

JOEL RIPPEL - Star Tribune