Henry Hucles was most recognized as the head coach of the Virginia Union University Basketball “Dream Team” of 1939-1943, which won four Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships, however his athletic accomplishments span over 30 years.
Hucles attended Wayland Academy in Richmond in 1917 and later studied at Virginia Union and New York University, where he received his master’s degree. While attending New York University he was considered the best passer and punter in the conference.
In 1926, after coaching at Shaw University and Prairie View College, Hucles became athletic director and head coach of basketball, football, track and tennis at Virginia Union University.
Best known for his success in football and basketball, Hucles compiled a record of 114-53-23 on the gridiron from 1919-1942. As basketball coach of the Virginia Union Panthers from 1926-1950, Hucles made history on March 1, 1939 when his team upset the number one ranked team in the country, Long Island University 36-28.
Virginia Union’s “Dream Team” would go on to complete a CIAA championship run which has gone unmatched in league history. Hucles compiled an overall record of 247-110 in his 24-year basketball career.
Hucles died September 11, 1979 in Brooklyn, NY but will always be remembered for his great contributions made to sports in the state of Virginia.