CLAUDE HOUCHIN

HOUCHIN, CLAUDE

Hometown:  Muncie, KS

1947:  Lettered. Moved up from B squad for last 14 games.

1948:  Lettered, Starter.

1949:  Lettered, Starter, 2nd team All-Big 7.

1950:  Lettered, Starter, Captain.

Claude Houchin, a former three-year starter for KU from 1948-50, died on December 3, 2008, in Wichita, Kansas.

During his freshman year, he was lifted from the B team mid-year, and played on the varsity the last 14 games of the year as a reserve.  As a sophomore in the 1948 season, he claimed a starter’s role, and at 6’5 was one of the tallest guards in the nation.  During his three years as an under-rated starter, he scored 8.5 points per game, was named second-team All-Big 7 in 1949, and led the Jayhawks to the Big7 conference title in 1950.

Prior to enrolling at KU, Houchin served in the US Army Air Corps in World War II. After leaving KU he went on to a successful career as an independent oil operator. He married the Ann Ackerman, the daughter of former KU basketball All-American, Tus Ackerman. Houch and his wife were dedicated KU alums.

Death recently claimed Claude Houchin, one of the most dedicated Jayhawk basketball players and alumni ever, and another underrated star (1947-50 period). A Turner kid, he was an Army Air Corps navigator before coming to KU. At 6-5 he was one of the first “big guards” in college ball, and a damned good one. He and wife Ann had a great family and were tireless in their efforts on KU’s behalf. Houch was 83. Claude made a few all-league teams but deserved better. Yet his friends and admirers knew his merits and we’re all far richer for that.

Services for Claude Houchin, 83, Wichita, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East in Wichita.
Mr. Houchin died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.
He was an independent oil operator. Survivors include his wife, Ann Ackerman Houchin; two sons, C. Tusten and Robert, both of Wichita; a brother, Robert, and a sister, Betty Cortner, both of Kansas City, Kan.; and two grandchildren. The family suggests memorials to Kansas University Endowment, Williams Educational Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044.