Clarence Jordan Walker

A 1946 graduate of East Chicago Washington High School under Hall of Fame coach John Baratto, he was a key member of their 24-3 regional championship team that season…  recruited by John Wooden to Indiana State Teachers College, he was a member of their 1947 team that was invited to the NAIB national tournament… on the basis that a Black player would not be eligible to compete in that tournament, Indiana State declined their invitation…  a year later, the rules had been altered and with Walker permitted to play, the Indiana State squad finished as national runners-up in the 1948 NAIB tournament…  as a senior, Walker was a starting guard as the Sycamores won the 1950 NAIB National Championship, following a 1949 national semi-finals appearance…  receiving numerous awards, including the Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War, he was a teacher, counselor and administrator in Gary Schools for 35 years, rising to Assistant Superintendent.