WICHITA - Former Shocker golfer and men's golf coach, Al Littleton was the winningest coach of his time, relying on excellence in golf instruction and devotion to the game.

A life-long Shocker and four-time All-Missouri Valley Conference golfer, Littleton passed away on Friday at the age of 83.

"We didn't simply lose a great golf mind, we lost a great figure in Shocker history," Director of Athletics Eric Sexton said. "Al Littleton laid the foundation for the elite Shocker men's golf program we have today. He coached from 1973-82 and again from 1989-95 and produced three MVC championships and four NCAA tournament appearances. Those accomplishments combined with the All-American golfers he coached are things the Shocker faithful will always be proud of."

Named the Teacher of the Year in the PGA South Central Section in 1988 and 1989, Littleton spent much of his life teaching the game he loved. From 1973-82, he coached  the Shockers to three MVC championships and four NCAA Championship appearances. He also guided three All-Americans in Gary Navarro, Don Lee and Rod Nuckolls.

Littleton enjoyed a highly successful playing career both as a Shocker and as a professional. During his career he won two Wichita Match Play championships, two Kansas Amateur titles and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the National Public Links Golf Championship.

He participated in the 1949 NCAA Golf Championship, qualifying for the 64-man match-play field and winning his first match. Littleton placed fourth in the league championship in 1947 and third in 1948 and 1949. He was inducted into the Shocker Hall of Fame in 1990.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.

-Wichita State-