Knox College Athletics

Kurt Pearson, who lettered in basketball all four seasons he attended Knox, is without question one of the very best players to ever play for our school.  While doing so, he always demonstrated remarkable leadership and unfailing sportsmanship.  No athlete in any competitive sport at this college ever gained higher respect from his teammates.
           
His individual records in nearly every facet of the game are simply outstanding.  When he graduated, he was the all-time free throw percentage leader at 81%.  During the 1977-78 season, his free throw percentage was 90% and at one point that same year, he converted 34 in a row.  Kurt established during his freshman year the all-time single season field goal percentage record of 62% and is second only to Tremier Johnson in career field goal percentage at 52%.  He ranks number three for total points scored at 1,318 and stands fifth in career rebounds with a total of 540.
           
To quote his former coach and current Athletic Director, Harley Knosher:

"In the course of his four year career, Kurt had the opportunity to take a game winning free throw or field goal seven times and never missed.  He was a great shooter, but his primary concern was always for his team.  Every shot Kurt took was for his teammates whether it came early during the first half or late in the second half.  For him the pressure was always the same and this enabled him to be relaxed no matter what the situation.  Kurt consistently came through in the clutch because he was always playing for the same reason, the success of the entire squad.  It was my pleasure to be his coach."
           
Kurt was an economics major at Knox where he was active in K-Club and served as a resident advisor.  He is currently a high school English teacher in McHenry, Illinois, where he formerly served as the boys head basketball coach.