Coach Clyde Lee Players Association

The Clyde Lee Players’ Association was formed in 1998 by Hershell Curtis of Waco and Victor Jordan of Wills Point, two former players of Lee, football coach from 1935-41.  The organization has donated more than $95,000 since its first meeting.  Lee is the second-winningest football coach in school history with a 57-10-5 record and a 79 percent winning percentage.

He coached the 1939 football team; also known as the “Clyde Lee Bunch” that was the first undefeated team in KC history.  During Lee’s six-year tenure, the Rangers had 10 all-state selections and 11 Division I signees.

“We are who we are because of our experiences,” Curtis said. “Coach Lee impacted who we became and who we are.  He helped us succeed not only on the field, but off.  Now, 60 years later, we still hear the testimony from those men that had the opportunity to be a player for Coach Lee.”

The group gives two awards each year, the Clyde Lee Heart Award and the Hershell Curtis Outstanding Lineman Award.  Recipients of both awards are selected by current football coaches and are given to players who exhibit the most “enthusiasm, spirit, personal improvement and desire to excel.”

In addition to awards given to football players, the organization has expanded its support of KC to include all former students.  The organization also sponsors the ex-student and ex-teacher of the year dinner prior to each homecoming game.  

The inspiration of Hershell Curtis of Waco, and Victor Jordan of Wills Point, the association has successfully held annual gatherings since 1998.

For more information, contact Hershell Curtis by e-mail: hlc44@grandecom.net



Kilgore College is indeed fortunate to be the recipient of the loyalty of the Coach Clyde Lee Players Association. They are a link to our proud past, and our hope for the future. Please join us when you see them on campus, or sitting in the stands, by giving them a big "thank you" from all of us.