Adolph Scissum
Class of 2019
Adolph Scissum built a distinguished athletic career that combined excellence in high school wrestling, collegiate competition at the U.S. Naval Academy and a lifetime of leadership and service in Huntsville. His accomplishments add another chapter to the athletic legacy of the Scissum family.
He joins his older brother, Willard Scissum, a former Lee High School football star who went on to play at the University of Alabama and in the National Football League before being inducted into the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. While Willard gained fame on the football field, Adolph earned his reputation primarily on the wrestling mat.
Scissum first developed his wrestling skills at Chapman Middle School before continuing at Lee High School, where he quickly became one of the most dominant wrestlers in the state. Competing across several weight classes during his career, he compiled an outstanding high school record of 73 wins, seven losses and two draws.
His achievements included a runner-up finish at the Alabama state championships in the 185-pound division in 1977. As a senior in 1978 he reached the pinnacle of the sport, winning the state heavyweight championship and establishing himself as one of the state’s premier wrestlers.
Scissum’s success attracted national attention. He received appointments to three of the nation’s most prestigious military academies — the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy. Ultimately he chose the Naval Academy, where he became a three-year varsity wrestling letterman from 1980 through 1982.
Following his military service, Scissum returned to Huntsville and began a career in business, eventually starting his own company. His leadership abilities later led him back to the academic community, where he now serves as Director of Campus Services at Alabama A&M University.
Through athletics, military service and professional leadership, Scissum has exemplified dedication, discipline and pride in representing his hometown.
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