WNC Sports Legend Henry Logan Passes Away at 78, Leaving a Legacy of Athletic Excellence and Social Impact
The Western Carolina University community and Catamount Athletics mourn the loss of a true icon as they bid farewell to men’s basketball standout and WCU Athletics Hall of Famer, Henry Logan. The news of Logan’s passing came as a shock to many, and tributes from fans and colleagues poured in following the confirmation of his passing on Wednesday evening.
Henry Logan was more than just a basketball player; he was a trailblazer and a symbol of change in the world of sports. Born in 1946, Logan made history as the first African American to play at a predominantly white college in the Southeast, breaking barriers and paving the way for integration in athletic programs in the region.
On the basketball court, Logan’s talent was unmatched. From 1965 to 1968, he shone as a four-time NAIA and Associated Press All-America selection for the Catamounts in the Carolinas Conference. His sleek scoring and high-flying skills made him a force to be reckoned with, leading to a remarkable career at WCU. He set school records that may never be surpassed, including an astonishing 3,290 points – all achieved without the help of the 3-point shot, which was introduced to the game later in 1980.
Among his accolades, Logan holds the current school records in points, field goals made, field goals attempted, free throws made, free throws attempted, and assists. He is the only player in WCU history to reach the 1,000-point mark in a single season, achieving this feat with a school-record 1,049 points in 1967-68. Logan’s brilliance on the court was recognized nationally when he led the nation in scoring in 1968, averaging an impressive 36.2 points per game.
Following his college career, Logan was drafted by both the Seattle SuperSonics and the Oakland Oaks of the American Basketball Association (ABA). He became part of the 1969 ABA Championship-winning squad with the Oaks. Unfortunately, knee problems and surgeries cut short his professional playing career.
Beyond his achievements in basketball, Logan proudly represented his country, contributing to the United States’ gold medal victory at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
His impact on the world of sports was further recognized as he was inducted into the Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990 and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. This November, Logan is set to be enshrined in the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame.
Asheville, North Carolina, and the wider community in Western North Carolina have lost one of their most celebrated sports figures. The memory of Henry Logan, the man who gracefully broke barriers and inspired generations, will forever live on. Despite facing challenges in his life, he found redemption and dedicated his later years to giving back and mentoring young athletes.
Henry Logan’s legacy extends far beyond the basketball court; it is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the positive impact athletes can have on society. He will be remembered as a true WNC sports legend and an inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps. Memorial service details are yet to be announced as family, friends, and fans remember a man who lived a great life and left an indelible mark on the world of sports.