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James D. “Doc” Van Horne, pictured in 1968, turned Tucson High into a track and field powerhouse.

The pre-1950s coaches at Tucson High had limited opposition in Tucson and statewide. But Van Horne was the most prolific and consistent, winning 13 state championships (and finishing second eight times) between 1927-53. True, he was blessed with the Batiste brothers — Joe, Frank and Fred, probably the top athletic family in Tucson history — but Van Horne won big before and after the Batistes.


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Contact sports columnist Greg Hansen at 520-573-4362 or ghansen@tucson.com. On Twitter: @ghansen711