Born January 18, 1906 at Bradford Hills in East Caln Township, Hugh McDevitt attended Downingtown High School until his family moved to West Chester in 1921. Hugh graduated from St. Agnes High School where he began his writing career as a correspondent with the Daily Local News.

He was named sports editor at the DLN in the late '20s and served in that capacity until he was named managing editor of the paper in 1951.

He covered local sports for all of the area's high schools for more than 25 years. He also covered sports at West Chester State Teachers College and served as the school's publicity director until 1959. He somehow found time to serve as a news and sports correspondent for the Philadelphia Inquirer for 25 years and the Philadelphia Bulletin for 15 years as well as other publications and national news services.

McDevitt was a charter member of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association and its first treasurer, a post he held for 15 years.

McDevitt was extremely active in the West Chester community and served as a member for numerous local organizations. In 1960, he received the Dr. Leslie Hill Human Relations Award, given annually to the person who best helps promote better understanding among people through athletics.

In 1963, the Daily Local News instituted the Hugh V. McDevitt Trophy, presented annually to the most outstanding all-around athlete of the Ches-Mont League.

McDevitt died on May 11, 1961 at the age of 55.

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