A moment of silence was held before Thursday night’s Wayland Baptist women’s basketball game against Southwestern Assemblies of God Universities (SAGU) for two legends in Flying Queens basketball, Wilda and Harley Redin, for whom the playing surface inside Hutcherson Center is named.
Here is a narrative that was read by public address announcer Jonathan Petty prior to tip-off:
“Ladies and gentlemen, Wayland Baptist University and the Flying Queens would like to take a moment to remember two very important people who had a tremendous impact on Wayland and the sport of women’s basketball. Wilda Hutcherson Redin passed away on Jan. 26 at the age of 99, just more than a month away from her 100th birthday. Harley Redin, Wilda’s husband and the legendary coach of the Flying Queens, passed away in August of last year, less than one month from his 101st birthday.
“Affectionately referred to as the “Queen of Queens,” Wilda was the matriarch of the Flying Queens program as she and then husband Claude Hutcherson began sponsoring the team in 1951, building national recognition for the program and for Wayland. She was described by former players as a quiet, unassuming and graceful lady, and she has touched the lives of every Flying Queen for the last 70 years.
“Wilda and Harley, who coached the Queens from 1955-73, winning 87 percent of his games and coaching the team to six AAU national championship titles, have supported this university far beyond the walls of the gymnasium. Their influence can be felt all across campus, and their legacy will forever remain.
“So while we must say goodbye for now, we will never forget Wilda and Harley Redin.”