Honoring a Wildcat Legend: The Remarkable Life and Legacy of Roger Craft

Roger Craft, a former basketball player for the Kansas State Wildcats, passed away on September 8th, 2022, at the age of 90 in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Craft's impressive career spanned from 1952 to 1955, during which he played under the tutelage of Hall of Fame coaches Jack Gardner and Fred "Tex" Winter. His contributions to the game and his lasting impact on the sport are a testament to his dedication and talent.

Pioneering a Legacy: Craft's Storied Career with the Wildcats

A Standout Player in the Wildcats' Golden Era

Roger Craft's time as a Wildcat was marked by his exceptional performance on the court. During his four-year tenure, from 1952 to 1955, Craft played in 52 games, amassing nearly 400 points and shooting at a 40% clip. His most impressive season came in 1954-55, when he averaged 12.1 points per game under the guidance of Coach Fred "Tex" Winter, who was in his first year as the Wildcats' head coach.Craft's legacy was further cemented when he scored the first opposing points in the history of Allen Field House, the iconic home of the Kansas Jayhawks, during the inaugural game between K-State and Kansas on March 1, 1955. This historic moment solidified Craft's place in the annals of the storied rivalry between the two in-state powerhouses.

Continuing His Passion: Craft's Coaching Career

After earning his bachelor's degree in physical education from K-State in 1955, Craft went on to add a master's degree in economics from Montana State. He then returned to his alma mater, serving as a graduate assistant to Coach Winter, further honing his skills and knowledge of the game.Craft's coaching career took him to Eldorado Junior College (now Butler Community College), where he served as the head basketball coach. He then moved on to Montana State, where he was an assistant coach in 1960 before being elevated to the head coaching position in 1962. During his seven-year tenure as the Bobcats' head coach, Craft led the team to 92 victories, including a pair of league championships in 1963-64 and 1966-67. His efforts were recognized when he was named the Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year in 1964 after guiding the Bobcats to the league's first championship.

Discovering a Legendary Kicker

Craft's impact on the world of sports extended beyond the basketball court. While at Montana State, he is credited with discovering future Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud. In 1965, Craft was walking through campus when he witnessed Stenerud, then a skiing student-athlete from Norway, kicking long field goals with his teammates. Recognizing Stenerud's exceptional talent, Craft encouraged the Bobcat football coach to give him a chance, and a year later, Stenerud was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, going on to become one of the greatest kickers in NFL history.

Retirement and Legacy

After his successful coaching career, Craft transitioned into the private sector in 1970, becoming deeply involved in the Bozeman, Montana community as a member of the Bozeman City-County Planning Board for 13 years. He retired at the age of 80, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spanned both his playing and coaching careers.Craft is survived by his wife of 69 years, Norma Craft, whom he met on a blind date while at K-State, as well as his four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His son, Les Craft, also played for the Wildcats, suiting up for head coach Jack Hartman from 1979 to 1983.A celebration of Roger Craft's life will be held on October 5th, 2022, at 10 a.m. in the chapel of The Summit Church in Lee's Summit, Missouri. The celebration will be streamed, allowing those who cannot attend in person to honor Craft's remarkable life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the K-State Men's Basketball program and the Montana State Men's Basketball program, ensuring that Craft's impact on the sport he loved will continue to be felt for generations to come.