Bushnell University

Event Photos

Induction Ceremony Video

A new coach continued a long tradition in 1986 as the Crusaders won their fourth consecutive NBCAA title. Hall-of-Fame coach Dave Lipp left the school after the 1985 season to join the women’s basketball staff at the University of Oregon and former team chaplain Don Kennedy took over the reins for one season.
 
The 1986 team started the season 14-1 and went on to finish 24-7. The regular season included a 68-59 December victory on the road at Oregon Institute of Technology that would be the only NCC victory in Klamath Falls until 30 years later.
 
In the national tournament quarterfinals they dominated Southwestern College (Texas) 116-68, a post-season scoring record that still stands. Hall-of-Famer Jon Willis led the way with 21 points and six rebounds and 11 players found their way into the book.
 
An 83-70 victory over Pillsbury College (Minn.) came after leading by just three-points at half-time. Willis scored 27 points despite sitting out much of the second half with four fouls, and Jim Newport added 24 points as the Crusaders shot 61% from the field.
 
One night later, NCC rolled to an 80-67 championship victory over North Central Bible College (Minn.). Willis ended his collegiate career in that game by scoring 30 points and fittingly hitting the first and last buckets of the game, scoring on a slam dunk as the final buzzer sounded. He was named tournament MVP and was joined on the All-Tournament team by Jim Newport.
 
Along with Willis and Newport, members of the 1985-1986 team including Hollie Darden, Mike Delaplain, John Gilles, Greg Gittins, Jeff Knox, John Leach, John O’Haver, Mickey McGraw, Greg Olson, Mike Parham, and Carl Swan. Coach Kennedy was assisted by Tony Carvey.
 
With his inclusion on this team, Jon Willis joins Jim Newport as the first two five-time inductees into the NCU Athletic Hall of Fame.