From ZG Clevenger to Frank Martin: A Legacy of K-State Basketball
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Early Years of K-State Basketball
2.1. Coached by ZG Clevenger
2.2. Conference Championships in 1917 and 1919
2.3. Missouri Valley Conference
2.4. Level of Accomplishment
- The Arrival of Jack Gardner
3.1. Gardner's Vision for K-State Basketball
3.2. Building a Competitive Team
3.3. Introduction of Time Limit on Courts
3.4. Scoring System Changes
- The Era of Mike Ahearn
4.1. New Field House: Ahern Field House
4.2. Record-Breaking Conference Championships
4.3. Enthusiasm of the K-State Fans
- The Success and Near Miss of the 1950s
5.1. 1951 Final Four Team
5.2. 1958 Final Four Team
5.3. The Unfortunate Injuries
- The 1960s and the Tex Winter Era
6.1. Tex Winter and His Impact on the Program
6.2. The 1964 Final Four Team
- Cotton Fitzsimmons and the Fast-Paced Game
7.1. Cotton Fitzsimmons' Coaching Style
7.2. Impact of Cotton's Colorful Personality
7.3. The Success of the 1964-1968 Teams
- Jack Hartman: Coach and Mentor
8.1. Jack Hartman's Coaching Philosophy
8.2. The Impact of Hartman's Leadership
8.3. Recruiting Success and Accomplishments
- The Rebirth of K-State Basketball with Lon Kruger
9.1. Kruger's Recruiting Triumphs
9.2. Rise of Steve Henson as Point Guard
9.3. Fun and Intense Games of the Kruger Era
- The Dormant Years and Bob Huggins' Resurgence
10.1. Decline of K-State Basketball
10.2. Bob Huggins' Arrival and Impact
10.3. Excitement and Success under Huggins
- Frank Martin and the Continuation of Success
11.1. Succession from Huggins to Martin
11.2. Building on the Foundation
11.3. Promising Young Players
- Conclusion
Introduction
Basketball has been a significant part of the Kansas State University (K-State) culture for many years. From its early years under ZG Clevenger to the success and near misses of the 1950s, K-State basketball has had its fair share of highs and lows. However, it was the arrival of Jack Gardner that brought a new vision and changed the course of the program. Gardner's determination to establish K-State as a basketball powerhouse led to the construction of Ahern Field House and several record-breaking conference championships.
Early Years of K-State Basketball
In the early years, K-State basketball experienced a mix of success and challenges. Coached by ZG Clevenger, the team achieved conference championships in 1917 and 1919. However, the program faced fluctuations in performance, with some seasons hovering around a 50% win-loss ratio. During this time, there were no time limits on the courts, and scoring ranged between 20 to 45 points per game.
The Arrival of Jack Gardner
In 1939, Jack Gardner took over as the youngest coach in the country at the age of 29. Gardner immediately set out to change the perception of K-State basketball. He aimed to move away from the label of being "everybody's little brother" and established a new era of K-State basketball that demanded respect. Gardner's recruiting efforts and coaching skills enabled him to assemble a team of talented veterans, setting the stage for future success.
The Era of Mike Ahearn
Under Gardner's leadership, K-State basketball flourished, thanks to the efforts of the athletic director, Mike Hearn. Their partnership resulted in K-State winning numerous conference championships during the time the team played at Ahern Field House. The new facility provided an incredible atmosphere for players and fans alike, solidifying K-State's reputation as a dominant basketball program.
The Success and Near Miss of the 1950s
The 1950s were a period of both success and heartbreak for K-State basketball. The team reached the Final Four in 1951 and was on the verge of a national championship in 1958 but ultimately fell short due to unfortunate injuries. The 1958-1959 team, however, displayed exceptional teamwork and achieved a remarkable regular season record.
The 1960s and the Tex Winter Era
The 1960s marked the era of legendary coach Tex Winter, known for his innovative triangle offense. Winter's coaching philosophy and attention to detail transformed K-State into a competitive force. The 1964 team made it to the Final Four, showcasing the program's continued success under Winter's guidance.
Cotton Fitzsimmons and the Fast-Paced Game
Following Winter's departure, Cotton Fitzsimmons took over as head coach, bringing a fast-paced style of basketball to K-State. Fitzsimmons' colorful personality and recruiting abilities energized the program, leading to exciting and high-scoring games. The 1964-1968 teams enjoyed substantial success, putting K-State on the national basketball map.
Jack Hartman: Coach and Mentor
Jack Hartman succeeded Fitzsimmons and left an indelible mark on K-State basketball. Known for his preparation, organization, and competitiveness, Hartman built on the program's legacy. His leadership and relationships with players fostered a cohesive team environment, allowing K-State to maintain its standing as a basketball powerhouse.
The Rebirth of K-State Basketball with Lon Kruger
Lon Kruger's arrival marked a turning point for K-State basketball after a period of decline. Kruger's impressive recruiting efforts resulted in the emergence of star point guard Steve Henson. The team's intensity and love for the game under Kruger's coaching propelled them to new heights.
The Dormant Years and Bob Huggins' Resurgence
After Kruger's departure, K-State basketball experienced a period of dormancy. However, the program's resurgence came with the appointment of Bob Huggins as head coach. Huggins, with his force of personality and commitment to building a strong team, revitalized K-State basketball, bringing back the excitement and success of the past.
Frank Martin and the Continuation of Success
Following Huggins' departure, Frank Martin took over the reins of K-State basketball. Continuing the legacy of success, Martin built on the foundation laid by his predecessors. His emphasis on hard work, discipline, and recruiting promising young players ensured the program's continued success.
Conclusion
K-State basketball has a rich history filled with memorable moments, great coaches, and talented players. The program's tradition of excellence has left a lasting impact on the college basketball landscape. As K-State looks towards the future, the foundation of success and passion for the game will continue to drive the program forward.
*Resources:
