Clarence Lynch [Men's Basketball '13]

Clarence Lynch served Connors State College for 33 years as both a teacher and coach, beginning as a member of the Cowboys basketball team in 1950. Lynch is the Cowboy’s first junior college basketball All-American, that honor coming in 1952. Lynch, along with teammate and 2012 inductee Lou Henson, led the Cowboys to seventh place in the NJCAA National Tournament in 1952. 

Following graduation, he attended East Texas State University and, later, spent time in the military. At ETSU, Lynch earned All-Lone Star Conference first team honors and was named NAIA All-American in 1955, leading the Lions to the NAIA National Championship. He is a member of the East Texas State Hall of Fame.

He took his first coaching assignment with Dustin Junior High, and became the high school coach in 1958, posting a 28-1 record. Moving to Gallup, N.M., Lynch led that team to a 23-6 record. 

Lynch returned to Connors in 1961 as the assistant football and head men’s basketball coach, compiling a 206-87 record in 10 seasons. He also coached baseball and founded the softball and tennis programs. His men’s tennis teams won four regional titles, while the women won three titles. His softball team was 167-49 and captured two regional championships. He also served as the CSC athletic director.

Lynch and his wife, Mary Jean, have two sons, Steve and Kevin.