Long before Clair Bates ever picked up a clipboard or a whistle, it was apparent that he was destined to be a coach. So much so, that his teammates at what was then Fort Smith Junior College actually nicknamed him “Coach.”
The Lincoln, Ark., native graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1932, where he played every sport. He went on to play basketball and football at FSJC, which is now UA Fort Smith, before graduating in 1934.
Bates played on Lions basketball teams that compiled a three-year, win-loss record of 19-18. He also played on football teams that compiled a two-year, win-loss record of 4-7-2 and won the Arkansas Junior College Championship.
After graduation, Bates coached at St. Anne’s High School as a volunteer coach for two years before becoming football and basketball coach at Alma in 1937. He led the Airedales to the state basketball championship game in 1941.
Bates left Alma for nearby Van Buren in 1942 and coached there for one year before his tenure was interrupted by World War II. He returned to Van Buren in 1946 and coached there until his retirement. Bates led Van Buren to 11 state championships in boys and girls basketball and boys golf during his tenure. He holds the singular distinction of winning both the boys and girls state basketball championships in 1950. It was the first time that feat had been accomplished.
He was Van Buren’s all-time winningest football coach until being surpassed by his successor, former Van Buren coach Gary Autry, by only two wins. After stepping down as head football coach, Bates still served as Autry’s assistant coach and did advance scouting.
Bates, who also coached baseball at Van Buren, is a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Legendary Arkansas sportswriter Orville Henry once described Bates as “an estimable gentleman who has coached everything with distinction.”
