Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
When Herb Hilgeman arrived at Southwestern in 1976 his plan was to quickly rebuild the Lynx men's basketball program, establish himself as a successful college coach, then move on to a bigger and better job after 3-4 years. Herb's 3-4 year plan to stay in Memphis and at Rhodes turned into a thirty-four year career where he became the College's all-time leader in wins for all sports. It also landed him a beautiful wife and family, and life-long friendships with colleagues, former players and supporters of the Lynx basketball program.
A person of impeccable integrity and class, Herb compiled a 473-360 record as Rhodes Head Men's Basketball Coach. He is the all-time winningest coach in the history of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, and prior to his retirement ranked as one of the winningest active coaches in NCAA Division III basketball.
In just his 5th year at the helm of the Lynx basketball team, Herb's 1980-81 team advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Division III tournament, which still ranks as the deepest any Rhodes basketball team has advanced in NCAA tournament play. Ten years later Herb's 1991-92 team won 20 straight games, which in 1991-92 was the longest winning streak in the nation at any level of play in the NCAA. During his tenure as head coach, Herb had 14 teams ranked in the top 25 nationally, and the Lynx participated in three NCAA tournaments.
Herb was honored with numerous coaching awards during his tenure at Rhodes. He was selected as the South Region Coach of the Year in 1981, then again in 1982. Herb was named Coach of the Year in the College Athletic Conference in 1991 and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1993.
Herb would contribute to the Rhodes athletic program in any way he was asked. In 1982 and 1983 he served as the Head Volleyball Coach, and to this day maintains great friendships with the athletes who played on those teams. He served as the interim Director of Athletics for several months in 1985.
Words cannot describe the respect and love fellow staff, coaching colleagues, and former players have for Herb Hilgeman. Beyond being Rhodes' all-time winningest coach, Herb ranks as Rhodes' all-time most beloved athletic staff member. For the great atmosphere Herb brought to Mallory Gym and the dignity and class he brought to his coaching duties, Rhodes is honored to induct HERBERT ALAN HILGEMAN to the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 25th day of October, 2013.
