Hall of Fame

Willie "Rat" McGowan

  • Class
  • Induction
    2010
  • Sport(s)
    Administration, Baseball
  • Alcorn State
Early Life and Playing Career
  • McGowan was born on April 7, 1939, and passed away on November 6, 2019.
  • He attended Alcorn State from 1957-1960 as a two-sport athlete, lettering four times in both football and baseball.
  • In 1959, he was named Captain and Most Valuable Player of the football team, and he earned the school’s inaugural Jack Spinks Award
Coaching & Career at Alcorn State
  • He returned to Alcorn State in 1968 to coach in the football program (as defensive line / defensive backs coach).
  • In 1972, he became head baseball coach at Alcorn State and held that position through 2009.
  • His head-coaching record in baseball was approximately 720-663-7.
  • Under his leadership:
    • The baseball program recorded 14 seasons with 20 or more wins.
    • The team won multiple divisional titles (e.g., SWAC East in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1988, 2002).
    • He was named SWAC Baseball Coach of the Year four times: 1978, 1979, 1981, 1988.