Carl Gerlach

Basketball - Class of 1972

"Carl Gerlach was the first great big-man at Shawnee Mission South. During a time when high schools were three-year institutions, Carl started varsity as a junior and senior. The only reason he didn't play varsity sophomore year was because it was not permitted at the time. Carl led the Raiders to the 5A State Championship game in his senior year. He was awarded All-State, All-Sunflower League, and All-Metro during his senior year. Carl still holds the Raider season record for rebounds, winning 260 during the 1971-1972 season – 35 more than the second place record holder. He is still on the record board for a season scoring average of 19.0 points per game in that same 1971-1972 season. Carl was an incredibly hard worker and a very smart player. He made the most out of the talent he was gifted. Upon graduating from Shawnee Mission South, Carl went on to play basketball for the legendary head coach at Kansas State University, Jack Hartman. Carl was a member of two Big 8 championship teams at Kansas State, and he played in two NCAA Tournament – progressing to the Elite 8 both times. Carl was the very first 4-year letterman at Kansas State University. After Kansas State, he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, played professionally in Europe, and then came back to the U.S. to play for a short time with the San Antonio Spurs. By any measure, the contributions that Carl has made to the Shawnee Mission South basketball program are great, and he has certainly distinguished himself as a committed and selfless Raider. He was eventually elected as Mayor of Overland Park and has had an incredible impact on the community as a whole. Carl is now joining his rightful place as a great among greats. Welcome to the Raider Athletic Hall of Fame, Carl. You are now where you belong."