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Former Basketball: Ragin’ Cajuns Hall of Fame Member Dean Church Passes AwayLAFAYETTE – Dean Church, a standout men’s basketball player under legendary Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns coach Beryl Shipley who became the school’s first All-American and one of five players in school history to have his jersey retired, passed away on Wednesday at his home in Luling after a lengthy illness.
He was survived by his wife, Sally, sons Dean, Jr., and David, daughter, Anne, and five grandchildren. Visitation will be on Monday, June 2, from 8:30-11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church (155 Holy Family Lane) in Luling with a funeral mass scheduled for 11.
Church, the 12th-leading in school history with 1,546 points, lettered for the Ragin’ Cajuns from 1960-65. The Ashland, Ky., native was named the Gulf States Conference Player of the Year and earned NAIA First-Team All-America honors in 1964 and 1965. Church, who wore No. 12 for the Ragin’ Cajuns, became the fourth player in school history to have his jersey retired when he was honored by the University on Feb. 25, 2012.
"I am very saddened to hear about the passing of former basketball legend Dean Church," Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Bob Marlin said. "Dean played under Louisiana Hall of Fame coach Beryl Shipley and was the first All-American in our school’s history. He was a prolific shooter and one of Shipley’s Boys. Dean was a true friend and positive influence for many who will be sorely missed." Church was selected as an AP First-Team Small College All-American and was chosen as the Louisiana Athlete of the Year in 1965.
At the conclusion of his career in 1965, Church held school single-season records in points (701), points per game (23.4), field goals scored (237), field goal percentage (.570), free throw percentage (.832), most games in double figures (30) and 30-plus point games (8).
One of the best performers from the free throw line, Church held the record for most free throw attempts in a game (20) and a single-season (273) before both were broken last season by Elfrid Payton. Church still holds single-season records in free throws made (227), free throws made in a game (18) and free throw attempted in a game (20).
A member of the Louisiana Athletics Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame, Church was one of 12 players selected by the U.S. State Department to participate in a three-month goodwill tour of Central and South America. – www.RaginCajuns.com – Matt Sullivan, Sports Information Director, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns,University of Louisiana at Lafayette ,Cox Communications Athletic Center, 201 Reinhardt Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506-4297, Office – (337) 482-6330 Mobile – (985) 981-0009 Twitter – @MattSulli123 Athletic Network Footnote: Click here for video of "Dean Church: An Extraordinary Life" Click here for the Dean Church photo gallery. His obituary will be posted on the AN as soon as it is finalized. Peace, Ed Dugas
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