Lewis University Athletics

The "Father of Lewis Basketball," Ray "Scooter" McLean left a lasting mark on Flyers athletics before going on to coach in the National Football League, including a stint as head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
 
McLean joined Lewis College in 1948 as the school's head football coach and established the men's basketball program. The impact was immediate. The Flyers finished the 1948 season with a 6–2 record, tying Northwestern College for the league championship and outscoring their opponents 236–65. That winter, McLean coached Lewis' inaugural men's basketball team, guiding the squad to a 16–2 record. He remained the basketball coach for three seasons, compiling a 32–16 overall record. The following year on the gridiron, the Flyers finished 8–0, winning the 1949 Badger-Illini League Championship outright, and outscoring opponents by an astonishing 310–15 margin. In the spring of 1949, McLean established the college's baseball and track programs. However, limited enrollment made sustaining those teams difficult, and they were discontinued after just one season before being reinstated later. 


(McLean with his 1948 basketball team)

McLean remained at Lewis through the 1950 season before departing to join the Green Bay Packers as an assistant coach. During his three seasons leading the Lewis football program, he helped establish the foundation for the school's early athletic success.
 
He coached in Green Bay through the 1957 season before being elevated to head coach in 1958. McLean ended his coaching career with the Detroit Lions, where he was an assistant coach from 1959-63.
 
Before beginning his coaching career, McLean enjoyed a successful playing career with the Chicago Bears. Selected in the 21st round of the 1940 NFL Draft, he played eight seasons in Chicago from 1940-47 and was on four NFL championship teams. McLean played a memorable role in the Bears' 1941 NFL Championship victory over the New York Giants, successfully converting a drop-kicked extra point in Chicago's 37-9 victory. It remained the NFL's most recent successful drop-kick extra point for 64 years.
 
A native of Lowell, Massachusetts, McLean grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, attended Cushing Academy, and went on to play football and basketball at St. Anselm College. McLean passed away on March 4, 1964, at age 48.