Caesar Felton Gayles facts for kids
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 22, 1900 Mississippi |
| Died | November 5, 1986 (aged 86) Muskogee, Oklahoma |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| 1920–1924 | Morehouse |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1927 | Tennessee A&I |
| 1928–1929 | Arkansas AM&N |
| 1930–1957 | Langston |
| Basketball | |
| 1930–1965 | Langston |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 155–89–24 (football) 571–281 (basketball) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| Football 2 black college football (1939, 1941) |
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| College Basketball Hall of Fame Inducted in 2015 |
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Caesar Felton "Zip" Gayles (born May 22, 1900 – died November 5, 1986) was a very successful American football and basketball coach. He was known for leading teams at several colleges. He coached at Tennessee State, Arkansas–Pine Bluff, and Langston University. Gayles had an amazing career. He won many games and was honored in several Halls of Fame.
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A Legendary Coach: Zip Gayles' Career
Caesar Felton Gayles, often called "Zip," was a famous coach. He coached both football and basketball. His career lasted for many years. He helped shape young athletes' lives.
Early Coaching Days at Tennessee A&I
After college, Gayles started coaching. His first job was at Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State College. Today, this school is known as Tennessee State University. He was the head football coach there in 1927. His team had a record of 1 win, 2 losses, and 3 ties.
Some old records called him "Felton Gale." But it's confirmed that "Felton Gale" and "Caesar Felton Gayles" are the same person.
Coaching at Arkansas–Pine Bluff
Next, Gayles moved to Arkansas. He became the head football coach at Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College. This school is now called the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He coached there for two seasons, from 1928 to 1929. His football teams had a record of 8 wins, 9 losses, and 3 ties.
Long Career at Langston University
Gayles spent most of his career at Langston University. This university is in Langston, Oklahoma. He coached there for 35 years!
He was the basketball coach from 1930 to 1965. His basketball teams were incredibly successful. They won 571 games and lost 281. He also coached football for 28 seasons. This was from 1930 to 1957. His football teams had a record of 146 wins, 78 losses, and 18 ties.
His teams were so good that they won national championships. They were "National Negro champions" twice in both basketball and football. This shows how talented he was as a coach.
Awards and Recognition
Zip Gayles received many honors for his coaching. In 1974, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Athletic Hall of Fame. He also joined the NAIA Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1986. In 2015, he was honored again. He was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. These awards show his lasting impact on college sports.
His Passing
Caesar Felton "Zip" Gayles passed away on November 5, 1986. He died in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He left behind a great legacy in college sports.
