88R10722 CW-D
By: Howard H.R. No. 445
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Clifford Lincoln Gustafson, who achieved iconic
stature as head coach of The University of Texas baseball team,
passed away on January 2, 2023, at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, The son of Elmer and Wendla Gustafson, Cliff
Gustafson was born in the small community of Cadillac, near Kenedy,
on February 12, 1931, and he grew up with three siblings, Marvin,
Ella Mae, and Clarice; he played baseball at San Antonio Harlandale
High School and at UT, helping lead the Longhorns to the 1952
Southwest Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA College
World Series; after completing his undergraduate studies at UT, he
earned a master's degree in education from Our Lady of the Lake
University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gustafson competed professionally in the
Dodgers organization before taking the helm of the South San
Antonio High School baseball program; during his tenure as head
coach, he guided the Bobcats to 12 district titles and a record
seven 3A state championships, and his final team in 1967 notched a
perfect record; he met his future wife, Janie Davenport, while
coaching at South San, and they shared 53 happy years of marriage
until her passing in 2012; the couple raised three children, Jill,
Deron, and Jann; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, Mr. Gustafson moved up to the collegiate
ranks when he was hired as head coach of the UT baseball team; his
unique style of coaching became known as "Gusball," and over the
course of his 29-year career on the 40 Acres, his teams made 17
appearances in the College World Series and won two national
championships; moreover, the Longhorns collected 22 SWC crowns
under his tutelage, and he racked up a total of 1,466 victories
against only 377 losses; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gustafson was twice selected as National Coach
of the Year, and his accolades also include induction into the Texas
Athletics Hall of Honor at UT as well as the College Baseball,
Southwest Conference, Omaha College Baseball, and Texas High School
Baseball Coaches Association Halls of Fame; and
WHEREAS, In his later years, Mr. Gustafson married a second
time, to the former Ann Robinette; he relished the time he spent in
the company of his loved ones, and he had the pleasure of seeing his
family grow to include six grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Renowned for his determined leadership and his
commitment to the student-athletes he mentored, Cliff Gustafson
left an indelible mark on the UT baseball program, and his myriad
achievements will long endure; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Clifford Lincoln
Gustafson and extend deepest sympathy to his relatives and friends;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Coach
Gustafson.