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United States Flag Football of the Deaf
Hall of Fame Inductees
1997 Inductees - Little Rock, Arkansas
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Franklin Chism
Franklin was the best ground gainer quarterback at 5'11" and 175 pounds. He led the
Leopards team to co-championship in 1950. He did most of the team's punting and all of kicking. He was a leader in the conference, scoring
55 points and passing for another 52. In 1951, Chism ran, passed, and kicked - a real triple-threat. He made 12 touchdowns and 9 PATS including
a 40 yard field goal and he scored 84 points in only 5 games until he got knocked out with a broken shoulder. Chism was selected to the AAA Official
All District Team. He was also selected to Kruger's All-American School for the Deaf (First Team, 1951 and 1953) along with The Frat's All American
Football Team (2nd, 1951 and 1952). Chism also excelled in basketball, track, wrestling, and baseball. |
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Curtis Ketchum
Curtis was a big man at 6'3" and 190 pounds and was called "Big Edward" by most. He was a strong,
powerful football player. Ketchum's blocking was the key to many long runs. He was a power on defense and then shifted to fullback on offense. Also, he was
claimed to be the best high school end in Arkansas by several coaches. In 1951, he scored 6 touchdowns and 4 PATS. His team was the co-champions in 1950 and Curtis
was honored with All District Team honors. Other honors included Kruger's All American School for the Deaf (First Team, Defensive End, 1950, 1951, and 1953) and the Frat's
All American Football Team (First Team, Defensive End, 1951 and 1952). He played local semi-pro football for the GAELS in California. |
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Stanley Ketchum
Stanley was a 5'10" 185 pound linemen who played both on defense and offense. He used his quickness to control the line and he
recorded 440 tackles in his four years. Stanley led the team with 123 tackles in 1975 when the team captured the Grand Prairie Conference Title.
Stanley was selected All District (1974 and 1975), All Conference (1973, 1974, and 1975), All State (1975) and also All American School for the Deaf (First Team, 1975) |
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Larren Musteen
Larren, whose nickname was "Rabbit" because of his quick moves and high speed, was Arkansas School
for the Deaf's swiftest quarterback. Weighing in at 148 pounds and standing 5'8", he was a whiz at carrying the ball. He was considered the fireplug of the
greatest team which won the 1938 Natioanl Deaf Eleven Man Championship with a record of 9-0-0. Larren scored 16 touchdowns in eight games.
He also excelled in both basketball and wrestling.
-1995 Arkansas School for the Deaf - Hall of Fame |
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Alton Smith
Alton Smith, 6'4" and 250 pounds was a giant tackle and a sturdy oak on defense. he opened
gaping holes on his side of the line again and again. Those who saw Alton in action watched as vicious blocks were thrown on him trying to block
Alton out of a play. But the blockers would bounce off Alton like a stone wall. Alton was a member of the 1938 National Deaf Eleven Man Championship team
that went 9-0-0. He was selected to non-conference All-State Teams; All American School for the Deaf (First Team, 1938, 1939, and 1940).
-1995 Arkansas School for the Deaf - Hall of Fame |
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