University of Arizona Athletics

BATISTE was a true Wildcat trail blazer as the first black student-athlete of any sport at Arizona when he joined the Arizona's football and track and field programs in 1949 after serving in the military during World War II. A hurdler on the track and a standout on the football field, Batiste still holds some impressive records over 70 years after the conclusion of his career. His 87-yard punt return versus Denver during the 1949 season still stands as the third-longest return in program history. Batiste overcame racial discrimination throughout his career to pave the way for future Wildcats of color to compete.