Chena Gilstrap

Claude Robbins "Chena" Gilstrap (July 31, 1914 – August 9, 2002) was an American football coach. He was the ninth head football coach at Arlington State College—now known as the University of Texas at Arlington—serving for 13 seasons, from 1953 to 1965, compiling a record of 85–40–3.[1]This ranks him first at UT Arlington in total wins and second at UT Arlington in winning percentage.[2] The school discontinued its football team after completion of the 1985 season.[3]

Chena Gilstrap
Biographical details
Born(1914-07-31)July 31, 1914
Granger, Texas
DiedAugust 9, 2002(2002-08-09) (aged 88)
Palo Alto, California
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1953–1965Arlington State
Administrative career (AD unless noted)
1952–1975Arlington State / Texas–Arlington
Head coaching record
Overall85–40–3

Gilstrap is only former UTA coach or player inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. He was athletic director and head football coach from 1952 to 1965 and remained as athletic director until 1975. His teams won consecutive Junior Rose Bowl games in Pasadena beginning in 1956.[2] The ’57 Arlington State College squad was undefeated and ranked No. 1 nationally among junior colleges. Gilstrap guided UTA from junior college status to a four-year program in 1959. He died in 2002; he had been suffering from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

References
  2. UTA Magazine Online, Legendary Coach and Athletic Director Dies Archived December 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  3. Garcia, Art (July 15, 2011). "Joining the WAC is first big step-UTA's move to higher profile conference would be enhanced with addition of football". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
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