University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Former UCO Great Passes Away

12/20/2011 11:47:00 AM

Former Central Oklahoma football great and UCO Athletic Hall of Famer James Hooks, 60, passed away recently at his home in Huron, S.D.

An Oklahoma native who graduated from Jones High School, Hooks was a four-year starter at running back for the Bronchos from 1969-72 while also playing baseball three seasons.

Hooks led the Bronchos to a 33-7-2 record on the gridiron, earning second-team All-Oklahoma Collegiate Conference honors in 1970 and first-team accolades in 1971 and '72. He was an honorable mention NAIA All-America acclaim as a junior and claimed second-team honors as a senior.

Hooks ended his career with 556 carries for 3,190 yards, averaging 5.6 yards a carry, and he holds school records for single-season (22) and career (50) touchdowns and single-season (132) and career (300) points. He ranks fifth on UCO's all-time rushing list and third on the all-purpose chart with 3,729 yards.

A fourth round NFL draft pick by Detroit in 1973, Hooks played four seasons for the Lions. He was inducted into the UCO Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.

Hooks was a postal worker in Detroit following his football career and moved to Huron in 2005. He is survived by his wife (Luvie) along with seven children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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