Dr. Ray Groover received the 2009 Walter Gilbert Award at the Auburn Homecoming football game Saturday.
"It is extremely honorable," Ray said.
Ray, who graduated from Auburn in 1961, still holds the records for the most free throws made (17) and attempted (21) in a basketball game.
"Dr. Ray Groover is a complete Auburn man," said Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs in a release. "He is an outstanding individual, made the game-winning shot in bringing Auburn its first SEC Championship in basketball, served our country and has benefited many, many people with his medical expertise. Dr. Groover is a wonderful addition to an impressive group of Walter Gilbert Award recipients. He has definitely made Auburn proud."
The records were made in a game against Florida State University Dec. 10, 1960, by No. 22, Ray.
"This award is the highest award that former student-athlete (male) can receive from Auburn University," said Gary Waters, chair of the Committee of Intercollegiate Athletics at Auburn University. "The Walter Gilbert Award signifies a record of excellence in a former student athlete's professional career. Equally important, The Walter Gilbert Award signifies an eagerness on the part of a former student-athlete to give back to society and an eagerness to help others."
Ray established a private medical practice, in which he is still involved, said Kim Groover, Ray's daughter.
Kim said Ray was heavily scouted by the Boston Celtics, but decided against professional basketball and chose to pursue medical school.
Ray didn't want to give up his spot in medical school for a cut-contract with the Celtics, Kim said.
Ray said a cut-contract meant they could watch him for two days and then choose whether to cut him and there wasn't enough stability.
According to the background and nomination information for the award, "The Walter Gilbert Award recognizes Auburn student-athletes who have distinguished themselves as alumni. Generally the individual must have demonstrated excellence in his or her profession and/or in service to others by 20 or more years of superior performance after graduation."
While a student-athlete at Auburn, Ray was also the president of the Letterman's Club.
Kim said her father's work ethic, ambition and goal-oriented personality helped him with both his basketball playing skills and his future career path.
"He knew what he wanted early on," Kim said.
Ray practiced his free throws by attempting a minimum of 100 a day, Kim said.
"One of the big deficiencies on the current team is free throw inadequacy," Ray said. "Maybe they should try throwing at least 100 a day."
In addition to his basketball and medical accomplishments, Ray is a senior amateur golf champion.
"I've played golf for 10 to 12 years," Ray said.
Ray said he received a letter in the mail announcing the award two months ago.
"I think I was on the john," Ray said about where he was when he read the letter.
Kim said friends and family from all over came to celebrate and honor Ray.
"It's such a unique experience because it's not a wedding or a funeral, but it's still a family reunion," Kim said.
In 2002, Ray's college roommate, Jimmy Fibbe, was also awarded The Walter Gilbert Award.
"It's great that we both received the same award," Ray said. "It's an honor to be in front of the student body."
But this isn't the first time Ray has been on the field during the halftime of a Homecoming football game.
"Kim was homecoming queen in 1989," Ray said. "So I was on the field then, too."
In addition, Grace Ann Sooter, one of the 2009 Miss Homecoming nominees, is Ray's niece.
A small pep rally was organized in Ray's honor on the Tailgate Guys lawn in front of Jordan-Hare before the game Saturday.
"Corey Spurlin, the band director, organized this for us, and it was really just amazing," Kim said.
Ray continues to be active in the Auburn community and his Birmingham medical practice.
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