Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Mar. 31, 2023 - The North Central College athletic department extends its sympathies to the family of Bill Warden '55, who passed away on March 25 at the age of 90. Bill is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Cardinal men's basketball program who also coached the team to unprecedented success.

Bill played for the Cardinals from 1951-55 and still holds several of the program's all-time records, including the career records for points scored (2,249), points per game (28.5) and field goals made (847). Bill was named a First Team NAIA All-American by the Helms Foundation following his junior season, making him the Cardinals' first All-American in the sport.

After turning down a professional opportunity from the Minneapolis Lakers, Bill embarked upon a distinguished high school coaching career which included winning the boys' IHSA Class 2A State Championship at Morgan Park High School in 1976. Bill returned to North Central as the Cardinals' head coach in 1981 and won a school-record 204 games in 16 seasons, including College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) championships in 1985, 1989 and 1990.

Bill was recognized at halftime of the Cardinals' Nov. 30 game vs. Carroll University this season. Click HERE to view the ceremony and HERE to view Bill's Hall of Fame bio.

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