Richard “Bus” Hugh honored as Scio basketball standout and mentor to future athletes

Richard “Bus” Hugh was a multi-sport athlete for the Scio Panthers, lettering all four years in basketball and three years in baseball. His skill, leadership and determination helped define an era of success for Scio athletics in the early 1950s.

On the basketball court, Hugh anchored a program that captured back-to-back county championships during his junior and senior seasons. As a freshman, he admitted he played in the shadow of his brother Bob, a two-time United Press All-Ohio selection. Hugh fondly recalled being called off the bench for the chance to share the court with his older brother.

By his junior year, Hugh had emerged as the team’s leader, scoring 343 points for a 13.7 average. He earned All-East Ohio recognition, INS All-Ohio honors and a First Team All-Tournament nod as Scio swept its way to dual titles.

On Feb. 28, 1953, Hugh took part in one of the most unusual basketball games in Belmont County history. Playing before 1,500 fans at St. Clairsville High School, Scio carried a 23-1 record into the Class B sectional finals against Lafferty. What unfolded was a defensive struggle that ended 9-4, one of the lowest-scoring tournament games in the area’s history. Hugh went 0-for-2 from the floor but remembered the night for its odd pace. “They decided to play stall ball and we didn’t force them,” he said. “Most of the scoring was done at the end of the quarter when they had to.”

Later that tournament, Hugh broke his leg, sidelining him for the offseason and his junior baseball year. He returned as a senior to score 277 points, averaging 13.4, and finished as runner-up scoring leader at the county tournament with 40 points. His efforts earned Class B honorable mention All-Ohio honors. Reflecting on that season, Hugh said: “When I think about high school, I remember playing with a lot of really good players. We did really well in the regular season—even defeated Uhrichsville, a much bigger school. We were just as good as those Tuscarawas County teams, but we just never could beat them in the finals.”

After graduation, Hugh joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in France, where he played basketball on the Army traveling team across Europe. Following his discharge in 1957, he attended Kent State University and earned a degree in finance.

In 1969, Hugh turned his attention back to Scio basketball’s future. With $100 donated by the Dining Fork Ruritan Club, he launched a youth program for grades 4–6 aimed at strengthening the varsity program by building fundamentals early. The effort came at a time when the high school team faced long losing streaks, and the program helped lay a foundation for younger athletes.

Richard “Bus” Hugh is remembered not only for his scoring and championships but also for his contributions to developing future generations of players. “I am very proud to have this honor,” he said. His legacy reflects both excellence on the court and a lasting dedication to his hometown.