Odessa Smalls-Arthur was selected as George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year at Michigan State University in 1987. A sprinter extraordinaire, she blazed her way to a record 13 Big Ten titles, including all four 200-meter outdoor titles during her career. Following her graduation in 1987, a local writer asked assistant coach Bruce Waha about replacing Arthur. His response? “I’m happy to say we’ve recruited someone to take her place. Seventeen people.’’
For more information, see Larry Watts, “Model of Dedication”, Big Ten Celebrating Black History Month, February 11, 2011.