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Indiana State University Athletics

Hall of Fame

Jerry Huntsman

Jerry Huntsman

  • Class
  • Induction
    2002
  • Sport(s)
    Football

James O. (Jerry) Huntsman came to Indiana State as an assistant football coach in 1965, with the commitment that he would succeed Bill Jones as head coach.  Following Jones' retirement, Huntsman served as head football coach of the Sycamores from 1966-72. 

During that time he compiled a won-lost record of 43 wins, 24 losses and one tie (.639%).  His winning percentage ranks as the highest for any Sycamore head football coach who has coached more than one season.  Over his seven-year head coaching tenure, he suffered only one losing season, that being a 4-6 mark in 1971. 

His 1968 team recorded a 9-1 record, posting the most wins in Indiana State football history.  His 1972 club set 33 team or individual records and featured the national's leading kickoff return specialist, Rick Murphy. 

Prior to coming to Indiana State, Huntsman coached in the Indiana high schools ranks at Waveland, Covington, Crawfordsville and Huntington, as well as on the collegiate level at Earlham.  Following his coaching career at Indiana State, Huntsman moved into athletics administration.

  • Head Football Coach (1966-1972) 

  • Winning percentage ranks as the highest multi-year percentage for any Sycamore head football coach (.639) 

  • Career record 43-24-1 

  • 9-1 record in 1968 ties as the most wins in Indiana State Football history 

  • 1972 club set 33 team or individual records 

  • Inducted into Hall of Fame February 23, 2002 

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