Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame
Jim Gudger - Athlete and Coach - (1940-69)
Jim Gudger's athletic career at Western Carolina spanned 29 years (1940-69) as he played and coached three sports - men's basketball, football, and baseball. He played three sports both before and after World War II and was an all-conference selection in all three. He became head men's basketball and baseball coach in 1950 and was also an assistant football coach. He led the basketball program for 19 seasons and his team won 311 games and three conference championships. His 1963 team advanced to the NAIA national championship game. He guided the baseball team to nine winning records in 11 seasons and three conference titles. He is also in the NAIA and Western North Carolina Sports halls of fame.
