McKinley Chooses Trinity
When it was time for McKinley to choose where he would spend his four years in college, there were a few schools that he was considering. However, Trinity emerged as the top pick due to his close ties with Trinity coach, Clarence Mabry, and his best friend, Rod, who was already attending Trinity according to teammate Butch Newman. Along with these connections, the small school atmosphere of Trinity was appealing to McKinley. The ability to be a name, not just a number, was “part of the allure for him to go to Trinity” McKinley’s younger brother Bob stated. With these things considered, Mabry had enough about Trinity to sell and commit the young star. Once decided, the Trinitonian released an article on September 18, 1959 titled “Trinity Signs Tennis Champ.” The article touches on McKinley’s playing style and says that McKinley has “the greatest potential of any young netter from the USA, according to some sportswriters.” This potential would be brought to life over the next four years at Trinity.