2003 CHS Distinguished Alumni
Hubert "Geese" Ausbie
Class of 1956
Hubert "Geese" Ausbie is known world-wide for his spectacular career as a basketball player with the Harlem Globtrotters.
Ausbie graduated from Crescent's Douglas High School with the class of 1956. He was multi-sport standout in high school, excelling in baseball, track and field, basketball and tennis. He once scored 70 points in a high school basketball game. He was honored as High School First Team Player of the Century.
He attended college at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he ranked as the third highest scorer in basektball nationwide. He was named to serveral All-American and All Conference teams throughout his collegiate career.
Upon graduatoin from college, Ausbie first signed with the Globtrotters in 1961 after competing against more than 500 players from around the world. He truned down a pro baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs to pursue a career with the Harlem Globtrotters. During his playing days he played over 10,000 games with the Globtrotters, playing in over 100 countries and in every capital city of the United States, traveling around the world many times. He served as the team's Showman from 1961 - 1988 before becoming coach for the organization. In 1999 he was promoted to Vice President of Global Ambassadors, where he is involved in a variety of marketing, public relations and summer youth camp initiatives. Ausbie is celebrating his 38th season with the Globetrotters.
Ausbie has been recognized and honored by presidents, kings, governors and popes. He was inducted into the Harlem Globetrotters Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 in Springfield, Massachusettes.
In 20001 he was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. He was also presented the prestigious Globetrotters "Legends" ring for his outstanding contribution to the team in 1994. He is an inductee of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fames along with the Big Brother Award, Special Olympic Award, Jerry Lewis Foundation Teleton Award and the Muscular Dystrophy Award.
In 2002 Ausbie was honored by his hometown of Crescent when commissioned a sign on Highway 74 acknowledging his birthplace. In 2001 the Crescent High School named its gymnasium after him.
His movie credits include Gilligan's Island Movie featuring the Harlem Globetrotters, the White Shadow television series, co-starred in Harlem Globetrotters "Popcorn Machine" Kids Show, and starred in over 25 ABC Sports Specials featuring the Globetrotters.
Ausbie is a deacon in the Greater Archview Baptist Church in Little Rock. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge. He served on the Advisory Committee for the National Youth Sports Program. Ausbie also volunteers for the Red Cross and spends time visiting children's hospitals. He has been married to his college sweetheart for over 44 years. They have three daughters, one son, and two grandchildren. Ausbie credits his wife, Awilda, for his success.
One of the most popular players ever to wear the red, white and blue, Ausbie has left an indelible mark on the game of basketball and is presently passing on his wisdom to young players. His story is an awesome story of success and he leaves a legacy for generations to come of determination, persistence and service.
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