H.R. No. 445
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Clifford Lincoln Gustafson, who achieved iconic
  stature as head coach of The University of Texas baseball team,
  passed away on January 2, 2023, at the age of 91; and
         WHEREAS, The son of Elmer and Wendla Gustafson, Cliff
  Gustafson was born in the small community of Cadillac, near Kenedy,
  on February 12, 1931, and he grew up with three siblings, Marvin,
  Ella Mae, and Clarice; he played baseball at San Antonio Harlandale
  High School and at UT, helping lead the Longhorns to the 1952
  Southwest Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA College
  World Series; after completing his undergraduate studies at UT, he
  earned a master's degree in education from Our Lady of the Lake
  University; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Gustafson competed professionally in the
  Dodgers organization before taking the helm of the South San
  Antonio High School baseball program; during his tenure as head
  coach, he guided the Bobcats to 12 district titles and a record
  seven 3A state championships, and his final team in 1967 notched a
  perfect record; he met his future wife, Janie Davenport, while
  coaching at South San, and they shared 53 happy years of marriage
  until her passing in 2012; the couple raised three children, Jill,
  Deron, and Jann; and
         WHEREAS, In 1967, Mr. Gustafson moved up to the collegiate
  ranks when he was hired as head coach of the UT baseball team; his
  unique style of coaching became known as "Gusball," and over the
  course of his 29-year career on the 40 Acres, his teams made 17
  appearances in the College World Series and won two national
  championships; moreover, the Longhorns collected 22 SWC crowns
  under his tutelage, and he racked up a total of 1,466 victories
  against only 377 losses; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Gustafson was twice selected as National Coach
  of the Year, and his accolades also include induction into the Texas
  Athletics Hall of Honor at UT as well as the College Baseball,
  Southwest Conference, Omaha College Baseball, and Texas High School
  Baseball Coaches Association Halls of Fame; and
         WHEREAS, In his later years, Mr. Gustafson married a second
  time, to the former Ann Robinette; he relished the time he spent in
  the company of his loved ones, and he had the pleasure of seeing his
  family grow to include six grandchildren and five
  great-grandchildren; and
         WHEREAS, Renowned for his determined leadership and his
  commitment to the student-athletes he mentored, Cliff Gustafson
  left an indelible mark on the UT baseball program, and his myriad
  achievements will long endure; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Clifford Lincoln
  Gustafson and extend deepest sympathy to his relatives and friends;
  and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
  Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Coach
  Gustafson.
 
  Howard
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 445 was unanimously adopted by a
  rising vote of the House on March 16, 2023.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House