Scotty Whitelaw served as the Commissioner of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) from 1971-1989. During Whitelaw’s tenure, nearly 50 colleges and universities joined the ECAC and when he retired, the conference sponsored over 90 men and women’s championships in 19 sports.
Whitelaw helped to organize the National Ice Hockey Officials organization in 1956 and was the architect of the annual ECAC Hockey tournament, which began in 1962. Whitelaw was a tireless crusader for better rules, better officiating, better coaching and better championships, all with an eye on providing the best possible experience for the student athletes.
Under Whitelaw the ECAC became one of the first conferences in the nation to provide championships in women’s athletics. That same year marked one of the most significant events in the history of the ECAC. Following the success of the championships, the EAIAW was consolidated into the ECAC, doubling its number of championships and greatly increasing its member base.
In addition to his dedication to the ECAC, he also served on the Executive Board of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame and served as an advisor to the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association, the sponsor of the National Invitation Tournament. He also served on numerous NCAA committees. The former ECAC Commissioner was awarded the James Lynah Distinguished Achievement Award in 1989 for former ECAC athletic administrators who have achieved outstanding success in their career and have made an unusual contribution in the interest of intercollegiate athletics, the NCAA and the ECAC. In 1991, Whitelaw was honored with ECAC Administrator of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding and meritorious service to the conference.