Murray State University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1975
Former grid star Claude McRaven, who performed for the Thoroughbreds from 1935-38, and tennis great Johnny King, a Murray star from 1956-59, left their marks deeply imbedded in the record books.
The two Murray alumni became the 30th and 31st members of the select Hall of Fame group.
McRaven’s greatest years at Murray were in 1937-38. Perhaps it was his record-setting 102-yard, kick-off return against Tennessee Tech in 1937 that indicated just how good the Portageville, Mo., native was going to be.
Finally, when the 1938 season rolled around, McRaven was indeed ready. He rang up nine touchdowns that season, one coming on a 78-yard pass interception. The super-quick halfback impressed enough people to gain Honorable Mention Little All-America honors, as well as selections on the All-SIAA and All-KIAC teams.
During his days at Murray, McRaven also captained and helped organize the school’s first track team. His specialties were the 100 and 220-yard runs. Back then, starting blocks weren’t the going thing, but nevertheless, McRaven was a sub-10 second sprinter in the 100.
Following graduation, he joined the old Cleveland Rams – before they moved to Los Angeles – and was a two-year starting halfback before being drafted into the military.
The military proved to be his liking and after 28 years, he retired as an Air Force colonel in 1967. Along the way, he managed to pick up the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and 13 awards of the Air Medal. In World War II, he flew combat missions in the North Africa, Sicily and Italy campaigns.
Today, McRaven lives in San Antonio, Tex., where he is employee relations coordinator for the City of San Antonio. (Murray State Alumnus, July 1975)
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