Garland Sports Hall of Fame

Charlie Granstaff

Charlie Granstaff has been selected for induction into the Garland Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments as a football lineman for the Garland High School Owls and the Austin College Kangaroos. At Garland High School, he earned three varsity football letters, playing for a trio of championship teams. His first letter in 1942 was earned by his play as a reserve for the bi-district champion Owls. As a junior, he was named first team all-district tackle on the undefeated 1943 regional championship team, which rushed for 2,155 yards and scored 263 points. The Garland defense was even more impressive: In 11 games, the Owls held 10 opponents scoreless an accomplishment which still stands as a record for the Garland Independent School District. As a senior Granstaff was again named first team all-district as a tackle on the undefeated 1944 regional championship team, which rushed for 2,403 yards and scored 267 points in 12 games. In the spring baseball season of 1945, Granstaff won four games without a loss, pitching for the Owls conference champions as they won all 10 of their league games and were invited to the state championship baseball tournament. After playing a season with the Southern Methodist University varsity football teams and two years in the United States Navy, Granstaff played as a starting tackle for Austin College for four years, from 1948 to 1951. As a senior he was recognized as a first teams All-Texas Conference selection. The college yearbook stated that, Though smaller than many other men at his position, he has played brilliantly on both offense and defense. With more playing time to his credit than any other player in the last four years, Charlie Granstaff climaxed a brilliant career by receiving a tackle position on the all-conference eleven. Granstaff and his wife, Jeanne, are parents of three children: Michael David, Carol Marie, and Danny Ray.