Bio

The 1960-61 men’s basketball season was one of the most successful in program history as the team finished 18-9 and qualified for the NAIA National Tournament. Head Coach Grover C. Redford led the team to a regular record of 15-7 and defeated William Jewell College in a best of three games playoff to qualify for the National Tournament.

At the NAIA National Tournament, the Vikings won their opening round game against No. 15 Maryland State 89-74. The season came to an end in the next round after a loss to No. 2 Northern Michigan. The 1960-61 season stands as Coach Redford’s best season, in terms of record, and his only NAIA National Tournament appearance.

The 1960-61 men’s basketball team finished second in the MCAU. Starting center Everett Rehkop and starting guard John Kingsbury were both named first team all-conference at the conclusion of the season.

Three members of the 1960-61 men’s basketball team have been inducted as individuals into the Missouri Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame. Grover C. Redford was inducted in 1976, Everett Rehkop in 1992 and Joseph A. Avena was inducted in 2005.
Members of the 1960-61 men’s basketball team include Joe Avena, Bonham Bibb, Dale Carson*, Don Duncan*, Jim Edmundson*, Sam Georgeff, John Kingsbury, Jon Knehans, Donald Malter, Leland Potter*, Everett Rehkop, Melvin Rogers, Larry Scheer*, RC Shipley, Lloyd Swift*, and John Thompson with Head Coach Grover C. Redford*, Manager Bill Blanton* and Manager Robert Stuart.