Football (1947-50)
Arthur “Skinney” Stewart was one of the finest running backs ever produced by the state of Oklahoma. Born November 21, 1926 at Wilson, Oklahoma, he had an outstanding high school career at Wilson which included All-State honors in 1944. He was later named to the Daily Oklahoman All-Decade Football Team of the 1940’s.
Following military service in World War II, Skinney entered Southeastern in the fall of 1947. He quickly established himself as one of the nation’s premier running backs. He was a powerful runner, an excellent punter, and a good defensive halfback.
He was one of three brothers who played for the Savages. Forrest was the oldest and Billy Ray was the youngest. All were excellent athletes. Skinney was named to the All-Conference team three years and was deprived of honors his senior year only because of a series of nagging injuries.
He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1951 and played the 1952 season in the Canadian Football League for Saskatchewan.
After his playing career ended he worked for several years in Wilson and Ardmore in security and law enforcement. He began his teaching and coaching career in Wilson in 1971.
Skinney Stewart was a great football player. His fame was widespread. He brought many honors to Southeastern. He was inducted into the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame on February 9, 1980.
