Coaches

Ray Hanson

Year Inducted: 1976

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations: US Marine Corps
Western Illinois University

Biography: Ray “Rock” Hanson coached Western Illinois University from 1926-1946.  Along with famed Coach Phog Allen of Kansas, Hanson originated today’s 10-second rule in basketball. A retired Marine corps colonel, Ray earned a Navy Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service during WWI.  Hanson served as athletic director at Western from 1926-1962 and had the school’s athletic field, Hanson Field, named after him.  During his tenure, Ray recruited the first African-American athletes to the Macomb campus.  Ray Hanson passed away on January 4, 1982.