A 1966 graduate of Muscle Shoals High School and the University of North Alabama in 1970, Ott as he was affectionately known was a star for both the Trojans and the Lions on the hardwood.After college he began his coaching career at Ardmore High School and then to Guntersville before becoming the Head Basketball Coach at Colbert County High School in 1974. As the coach of the Indians Arthur built a program that was highly respected around the state leading the Tribe to the 3-A State Championship in 1981. He was selected the 3-A Coach of the Year in that same year and was a four time winner of the TimesDaily Coach of the Year Award. He also coached in the 1981 North - South All-Star Game.