During his 36-year career as head coach of Wichita State University’s baseball team - Gene's Shockers made seven trips to the College World Series and won the National Championship in 1989, made 26 NCAA tournament appearances, averaged 51 wins per season over each of his 36 years at the helm, has been inducted to many Halls of Fame including the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, for whom he is now a Trustee.

Gene played football and baseball at the University of Missouri, received All-American Honors in baseball, was the Big 8 Conference batting champion, and was later bestowed with the university's top alumni distinction, the University of Missouri's Medal of Honor.