Knox College Athletics

As a first-year student, Bill was the leading scorer with 25.2 points per game before becoming a varsity starter his sophomore year. It was his sophomore year that Knox was ranked seventh nationally allowing on average only 60.8 points per game. Come junior year, Knox remained top ranked in defense, finishing 16th nationally. Bill landed 12th in the Conference with 15.5 points per game and the highest free throw percentage with 78 percent, garnering him all conference honors. In the 1968–1969 season, Bill’s senior season, he surpassed his previous season, finishing 5th in the conference with 17.5 points per game and, once again, being named to the All MWC Team. In addition to his all conference recognition his senior year, Bill was recognized by his teammates as the most efficient player and the most valuable senior. He also holds the fourth longest consecutive free throw streak in Knox history with 30 consecutive free throws in 1969.

Looking back on Bill’s playing years, he might most be remembered for the time he was called back onto the court in a 60-60 game vs. Monmouth. Having believed he sunk the winning shot, a foul was called, and, with one second to go and one free throw to make, Bill was placed on the free throw line to determine his team’s fate. Bill is known as one of the greatest competitors to come through the Knox basketball program and as one who would do anything within the rules to help his team succeed. And he did not fail here, as he made the free throw perfectly to clinch the win against Monmouth. It was “the single greatest clutch athletic feat in Knox history.”

After graduating from Knox, Bill went on to complete his Ph.D. in computer science and to have a fine career at Texas A&M.  He was formerly the dean of the University of Kansas Business School.