Clyde E. Duncan (2010) - Hall of Fame - Southwestern Athletic Conference

Hall of Fame

Early life & education

Clyde E. Duncan Sr. attended North High School in Des Moines, Iowa, where he dominated track: he swept the 100-, 220- and 440-yard dashes from 1962–1964.
He then attended Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1969 and a master’s in 1972.
As a student-athlete at TSU, he and his teammates set world records in relay events: e.g., the indoor mile relay in 1966, and the sprint medley relay in 1965.

Athletic & coaching achievements

In his freshman year at TSU, he earned the moniker “World’s fastest human” for his dash performance.
He later coached at several institutions: TSU, University of Houston, Arizona State University, Grambling State University, and Wiley College.
At TSU, he was named head coach of the men’s and women’s track & field teams in 1995 and became Head Coach Emeritus in 2014.
Under his leadership, TSU captured significant conference championships: for example, the men’s indoor title in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 2015, and both indoor & outdoor track & field titles in 2016.

Honors & recognition

He is inductee of TSU’s Hall of Fame.
He was also inducted into the Drake Relays Hall of Fame. Iowa Run Jump Throw
In 2007 he was inducted into the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame for his high-school track accomplishments. Texas Southern University Athletics

Significance & legacy

Duncan Sr. is a major figure in the history of TSU athletics. His transition from world-record setting athlete to successful longtime coach at his alma mater highlights his deep ties to the university and his impact on generations of student-athletes. His leadership helped build TSU’s track & field and cross-country programs back into conference-winning status.