Union University Athletics

Dave Gray attended Union from 1964-68 and played in every basketball game of his career with the Bulldogs. In addition to his basketball career, he also played golf and ran track while at Union. 

In 1967, Gray set two shooting records at Union. His .660 field goal percentage record stood for 27 years and was the third best percentage in the nation that season. He also shot a school record .868 from the free throw line, which was eighth best in the nation that season. He currently ranks second in Union history in FG%, fourth in FT%, 

Gray was a member and co-captain of the 1967-68 Union Sports Hall of Fame team that was inducted in 2007. 

In 1967-68 season, Gray averaged 12 points per game in helping lead his team to a runner-up finish in the NCAA D2 South Region Tournament, being edged by eventual Division II national champion, Kentucky Wesleyan. 

Gray played for Union Sports Hall of Fame 2018 inductee, Coach Bill Henry. Several of his teammates from that season have also been inducted. In a Jackson Sun article following the 1967-68 regular season, Coach Henry tagged Gray with the name 'Dependable Dave' because as Coach Henry was quoted as saying, "that is just what he has been for the past four years. He always does a real fine job for us."

After graduating Union with a BS degree in Secondary Education, Gray taught physical education/health at Norris City-Omaha-Enfield High School in Norris City, Illinois for 33 years. He also coached basketball, track, and cross country in addition to holding the position of athletic director during his career. In the last 10 years of career, he held the position of NCOE Dean of Students. 

In 2001, Gray was selected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. He won more than 400 games including a third place finish in the 1990 Illinois State Tournament. 

Gray was married to his high school sweetheart, Joyce, in 1966 while at Union. They have two children, Melissa and Clay, and six grandchildren. His son Clay is a member of Union's 1,000 point club in men's basketball. Since retiring, Gray, enjoys traveling, golf, and fishing.