West Virginia State University - Arch Yearbook (Institute, WV)

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oa ean The Arch Staff dedicates this book to.......... Grant S. Gray, a student athlete of distinction, who played with stars and under nationally rated mentors and who, coached great teams himself; feels that he found his “thrill’’ when he was named the basketball coach of the West Virginia State College ‘Yellow Jackets” in the summer of 1968. A baseball teammate and friend was Stan Musial who won his fame as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was later enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gray considered him as the top athlete among all the many stars he played with during his career. Other titles, such as assistant professor of Physical Education, assistant football coach, head baseball coach, founder and director of the Institute Community Sports and Recreation Program, have kept him in close contact with young people the year round. The wearer of many hats and the bearer of numerous credentials will have the 1975 “‘Arch’’, th West Virginia State College Year Book, dedicated to him. The Arch Staff in selecting Coach Gray for this recognition express the sentiment that the honoree, as a father, teacher, and coach, won the love and respect of the students, peers, and friends by giving generously of his knowledge and personality in an effort to guide the youth to their finest destiny. This native of Donora, Pennsylvania has degrees in Physical Education from Kentucky State, and the Ohio State Universities. He has also earned advanced credits at Indiana University. He belongs to, and is an active member of several educational organizations which includes the National Basketball Coaches Association. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the First Baptist Church of Charleston. Although Coach Gray suffered a stroke, August 5, 1969, while he was making plans to move his nationally ranked team to higher goals, and subsequently had to give up coaching; he has never lost his zest and abiding interest in competitive athletics. Coach Gray has at his side always, his family to share the glory of his victories and the jolt of his few defeats and adversities. His immediate family consists of his devoted wife Gloria, daughters Adrian and Benita, and his son, Grant S. Gray, II. While reflecting on an illustrious career in athletics, which includes a West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Championship in baseball Coach Gray’s memories go back to his greatest thrill at West Virginia State College. That joy came from coaching the ‘Yellow Jacket” basketball team in 1968 which won 25 games and lost 6. This team averaged 113 points per game which ranked it as the highest scoring team in the nation. In honoring this great man by dedicating the “Arch” to him, the staff is hopeful that West Virginia State College will always seek to develop youths greatest potentialities. Andrew H. Calloway

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ON THE MOVE

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. Gray Coach Grant §S