Warren “Dink” Litrell

Head Coach (1937-1941)
Athletic Director (1942-1966)

Dink was a graduate of Baker University and built Ft. Scott Community College into a conference power in the mid-30's.  He became head coach for the Red Ravens in 1937, where he coached the Ravens to their first undefeated season.  They were 7-0-3.  Dink took over the coaching job from Harold “Angel” Baker, who had a 29-10-5 record from 1932-36.  The Ravens had seasons of 5-4 in 1938 and 4-4 in 1939.  With the addition of Assistant Demp Cannon, they went 9-0 in 1940 and 8-0 in 1941.  In the five seasons Dink was Head Coach, his teams were 33-8-3.

On April 6, 1942, Dink gave up his head coaching position and became the first full time Athletic Director, a position he would hold for 24 years.  He was with the Athletic Department for 29 years, the longest of any person in the history of the school.

Dink, who had astonishing success during his five years as the Raven grid boss, continued to coach track and serve in the capacity of assistant to Demp Cannon who had become the head football coach.  At one time he coached all three sports until the appointment of Jim Wilcoxer as head basketball coach.  Dink hired Football Head Coaches Cliff Long in 1949; Bill Jurney in 1957: Dean Pryor in 1960 and Bill Mills in 1962.  He also hired Jack Hartman who lead the Raven basketball team to a national Championship.  Dink was an outstanding educator and taught psychology and was involved in establishing the great teams and Athletic Department here at CCC.  There were four different sports that won National Championships when he was Athletic Director, Football in 1956, Track and Cross Country in 1960 and Basketball in 1962.

Dink ran the Municipal Swimming Pool for a number of years.  He was married to Ruth and they had one daughter, Carol, and two grandchildren.  Shortly after his retirement, he passed away in 1966.

Warren “Dink” Litrell will always be remembered for the outstanding achievements and contributions he made to Coffeyville Community College.