Sport(s) Football Name Hensley Sapenter late 1950s Prairie View Role American football player | 1995-1996 Prairie View Positions Center, Linebacker Overall 0-22 | |
Born December 16, 1939 (age 84) ( 1939-12-16 ) Education Prairie View A&M University | ||
Hensley W. Sapenter (born December 16, 1939) is a former American football player and coach. In 2003, he was inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame.
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Coaching career
Sapenter had recently retired after 19 years as the athletic director for the San Antonio Independent School District when he was hired as interim head coach and athletic director at Prairie View, despite having not coached at any level since 1972. He was told that he would only be considered for the full-time job if he could win.
In two years, Sapenter finished 0–22, making him one of the few coaches to have never won a game. During his tenure, his teams were outscored 950–210.
On September 24, Prairie View was drubbed 44–6 by Tarleton State, tying Macalester College's NCAA record 50 straight losses. They broke the tie the next week with a 64–0 thumping by Grambling—the 399th career win for Grambling's legendary coach, Eddie Robinson.
Ultimately, the streak would grow to 80 consecutive losses before it was broken in 1998. Sapenter was first suspended with pay and then subsequently fired following an investigation into the use of ineligible players.
Playing career
Sapenter had better results as a player at Prairie View when he played center and linebacker for in the late 1950s—Prairie View fielded championship teams during this time period. He played well enough to earn a place in the school's Hall of Fame.