R. C. 'CUPIE' MACK
R. C. Mack, known as “Cupie”, lettered in three sports in high school—Basketball, Baseball, and Football. A 1934 graduate of
Rector High, “Cupie” is considered to be one of Rector’s best all-around athletes of his era. He was coached by Melvin English in high school. No statistics of his high school playing career are available.
Mack was recruited in 1935 by Arkansas State College. He lettered in basketball in 1935.
“Cupie” lettered in football at ASC in 1935, 1936, 1937, and 1938. He was picked to be the captain of his team in 1938 and was selected to 2nd team All-State in the State Collegiate League.
In 1940 Mack was drafted by the Detroit Lions of the NFL. He is thought to be the first Arkansas State College (now University) player to be drafted by an NFL team. Due to an injury during tryouts, he was unable to join the team.
From 1939 to 1950, Mack played for Rector of the Northeast Arkansas League. He was selected to the All-District Semi-pro baseball team in 1939. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox baseball club in 1940 but chose to continue his career in education.
“Cupie’s” career experiences include the following:
1940-41 He was a teacher and coach at Rector High School.
1942-1945 “Cupie” served our country in the Army Air Corps.
1950-51 He was the Rector senior boys and junior boys basketball coach.
1951-1979 Rue “Cupie Mack” was superintendent of schools at Greenway.
1979-1982 Mack served two (2) terms as the Clay County judge.