Bushnell University Athletic Hall of Fame
2009 Induction Photo Gallery
Press Release
The 1983 Men’s Basketball team entered the NCU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. The 1983 team was the first Crusader team to win a National Bible College Athletic Association (NBCAA) national championship.
The 1983 team went 24-5, won the Pacific Northwest Conference championship and earned an at-large bid and the #2 seed in the national tournament. The Crusaders reached the final game of the tournament by defeating Pillsbury Baptist College, 89-60, and North Central Bible College, 78-57. NCC defeated St. Paul Bible College in the final with a 61-52 victory.
Members of the team include 2008 Hall of Fame Inductee Jon Willis ’86, who earned MVP honors at the national tournament and was a NBCAA All-American in 1983. Willis becomes the first two-time honoree in the Athletic Hall of Fame. Willis was joined on the 82-83 team by his brother Joe Willis ’85. Both men had also played together at Marist High School.
Also on the team was South Eugene HS graduate Mark Fisk and Sheldon HS alumnus Dan Oleson ’85. Other members of the team were Keith Potter ’84, who was named to the NBCAA All-Tournament Team and Bruce Shelby ’84, who hit six consecutive free throws in the final two minutes to seal the championship victory. NCC team captain John Tastad ’84, Jeff Jenkins ’84, and Tony Carvey ’85 rounded out the 1983 team.
Off the court, the 1983 team was known for their strong emphasis on ministry, putting on youth rallies and making visits to hospitals and prisons.
The Crusaders were led that season by legendary head coach Dave Lipp ’71, who was assisted by Barry Bokn ’83 and 2007 Hall of Fame Inductee Mike Petersen ’83. Team chaplain Don Kennedy ’69 was also an integral part of the leadership.
