Jody Skelton joins the UWF Hall of Fame in 2014 after he competed for the 
school’s first two men’s basketball teams from 1967 to 1969. Skelton is also officially recognized as the first men’s basketball signee in school history. He was the team’s first captain and started at point guard on the first two teams at UWF.
While he was at UWF, Skelton helped the team post the first (19-3, .864) and third (18-8, .692) best winning percentages in school history. Throughout his career, Skelton totaled 326 points and 153 rebounds and was the team’s leader in assists and steals. As the captain, he was instrumental in the team setting multiple single season team records including scoring average (86.9), scoring margin (+16.4), and winning streak (11).
Skelton lists one of his many proud moments at UWF was being selected as a player for the U.S. team to participate in the 1972 South African Games in Pretoria, South Africa. Although he was unable to travel or participate due to an ankle injury, the U.S. team went on to win the gold medal.
After his college years, Skelton spent time as the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Director and is a member of the Pensacola Sports Association Hall of Fame. Since he retired in 2006 after 35 years of service with the city of Pensacola, Skelton spends most of his time with his wife of 41 years Lori, his two children and two grandchildren.
UWF Athletics Hall of Fame Questionnaire: Jody Skelton
1. What was your most memorable moment in UWF Athletics?
Becoming the first basketball player to sign a grant-in-aid scholarship with UWF in 
the spring of 1967. And I will always remember starting as point guard and UWF winning the first game by defeating Valdosta State College 76-75, on the road, in the season-opening tournament. Valdosta State’s record the previous season was 27-8.
2. Being a former student-athlete, how has it helped you in your life after college?
As a graduate of UWF’s charter class, I received a very good education provided by outstanding professors that gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities in my chosen profession.
3. Are you still involved with your sport? If so, in what capacity?
I’m an active member of the Argonaut Athletic Club, and I also attend as many UWF home sporting events as possible.
