Clarence “Chick” Hatcher came to Wayland Baptist in 1971 from Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Ind., an undersized 6’4, 210 pound post. Four years later, Hatcher left as the only Pioneer to record over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career.
During his freshman season, Hatcher was named to the Texoma Conference All-Freshman team and was runner-up for Freshman of the Year honors. He was second on the Pioneers in scoring and rebounding, averaging 11.3 points and just over five rebounds. He also set a school rebounding record when he pulled down 27 rebounds in a game against Austin College.
Hatcher says that Austin College game is one that particularly stands out in his athletic career at Wayland.
“Before that game, Coach Clindaniels said to me, ‘I thought you were a rebounder,’ and I stated to him, ‘I am and I will get you 27 tonight. Well, I did get 27 rebounds in the game.”
Hatcher’s sophomore campaign was even more successful, both for him and the Pioneers. The team went undefeated at home during the regular season and won a share of both the Texoma Conference and District 8 North Zone titles. Individually, Hatcher led both the conference and the North Zone in rebounding, and was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection. His 383 rebounds and 10.9 boards per game average established new Pioneer records.
The 1973-74 Pioneer media guide described Hatcher as a good shooter from the 15 foot range, a fine tipper and feeder who “lacks only a little more height to be truly outstanding.” Despite a disappointing year for the team, Hatcher once again led the conference in rebounding with nine boards a game, and was second in team scoring with an 11.2 per game average. He was named All-Tournament at the Sul Ross Invitational and won the Most Proficient Pioneer Award.
A co-captain in his final season as a Pioneer, Hatcher was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. He won team MVP honors, was a second team All-Texoma Conference honoree, and was given the Pioneer Most Proficient Award for the second straight year.
At the time of his induction, Hatcher’s 1,219 career points put him at number 17 in Wayland history. He also continued to hold all Pioneer rebounding records and remained the lone member of the 1,000-1,000 club.
Hatcher received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in August 1975 and remained in the Texas Panhandle. He is currently employed by Dismas Charities Inc., as Director of a Contracted Federal Correctional Facility. He also conducts Personal Development Seminars in anger management, domestic violence, alcohol and drugs, theft and morals.
A resident of Lubbock, Hatcher and his wife, Cynthia, have four children and four grandchildren. He lists gardening as his hobby.
