Teams

1955-56 Western Illinois University Men’s Team

Year Inducted: 1977

Category: Teams

Schools / Organizations: Western Illinois University

Biography: The 1955-56 Western Illinois University Men’s Team posted a 28-3 record which stood for many years as the most wins for any Illinois University in history. This version of the Leathernecks was a high scoring group that averaged 95 ppg. Nine times they scored over 100 points. (Note: this was nearly 3 decades before the 3 Point basket became a rule in collegiate basketball). They reached the quarterfinals of the NAIA tournament.

Team Members in the Picture:

Back row (L to R): Head Coach Leroy “Stix” Morley, Charles Behrends, Gene Talbot, Marshall Stoner, Ron Nikevich, Charles Schramm, Don Talbot, Lupe Rios, Assistant Coach Guy Ricci.

Front Row (L to R): Lloyd ‘Butch’ King, Jimmy Hunter, John Henson, Blaine Bonnie, Joe Reynolds, Jack Milam, Don Resler, Larry Crouch.