WALL OF FAME MEMBERS

Kim Hendricks came to Viterbo as an unrefined, 6’1” post player with a lot of potential. Four years later, she left as an Honorable-Mention All-American.   

“Kim improved as much as any player in my time at Viterbo,” stated her coach, Bobbi Vandenberg. “She was instrumental in helping take our program to the next level.”

Hendricks’ hard work and improvement was rewarded her senior year when she averaged nearly 13 points and 8 rebounds per game. For her efforts, she was named First-Team All-Conference and also named to the Honorable-Mention All American Team--the first ever women’s basketball player at Viterbo to receive this honor.

During Kim’s senior year, the team finished 25-5 and gained the first national ranking (#23) in Viterbo women’s basketball history.

One of Hendricks’ most memorable moments came her senior year when she hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer to hand Grand View College-- who was ranked 4th in the nation--their only conference loss. 

During her career, Hendricks averaged over 10 points and 7 rebounds per game. She finished sixth on the all-time scoring list (1,134) and third on the all-time rebounding list (846).

Hendricks will be remembered for her quickness in the post and unique ability to steal the ball in the open court. Her abilities played a key role in her team’s fast-breaking, full-court pressing style of basketball.

Perhaps Coach Vandenberg summed up Hendricks’ career best when she said, “Kim came to Viterbo as a talented athlete, but left as an accomplished, highly-skilled basketball player.”

It was April of ’92. The bar had already been raised. There were new goals, greater challenges, and higher expectations for Viterbo men’s basketball. For some, the pressure would be too much. But from day one, Coach Michael Murphy embraced the opportunity and met the challenge. 

“He knew what buttons to push to get guys to play hard,” commented former All-American point guard, James Vacek. “He was a master at utilizing our strengths and exposing our opponent’s weaknesses.”           

With a fresh approach and nucleus of returners, Coach Murphy soon carved out his own identity in the history of Viterbo basketball. Murphy’s overall winning percentage of 73% (71-26) still stands as the highest among any coach –-of any sport—-in the history of Viterbo athletics. During his 3 years, Murphy compiled a stellar 28-8 record in the conference, won all three Alumni Cup games vs. UW-L and also ended UW-Eau Claire’s 16 year undefeated home winning streak in the NAIA District playoffs. 

Murphy’s 1994-95 squad won the prestigious National Catholic Basketball Tournament, won the Midwest Classic Conference title, earned a “Sweet 16”appearance at the NAIA II National Tournament, had a school record 17 game winning streak and finished the season 27-7, ranked ninth in the nation.

“He was a great motivator and taught us to believe that if we played hard and played smart, we could win every game,” commented former All-American Center Troy Wagner. “We had some talent, but he put the pieces together and made us successful.”

In May of ’95, Murphy moved on to the University of Alabama. While his stay was short, his impact was large.  By the time Michael Murphy left the bar had been raised again.

Four years of basketball, four years of baseball, and a college degree. Not many people can lay claim to these accomplishments during their college career.

“To play two sports and get a degree from a private college is an accomplishment in itself,” stated Rich’s former baseball coach, Kevin Johnston. “Rich did everything with a lot of passion and energy.” 

As a baseball player, Rust finished his career with a .305 batting average and played nearly every position on the field. He was named First Team All-Conference his junior and senior years. In 1994, his team finished 28-7, which is the highest winning percentage to date (80%) of any baseball team in school history.

As a basketball player, Rust averaged over 13 points per game during both his junior and senior seasons. He was named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District his junior year and Honorable Mention All-Conference his senior year.

Over a 4 year-span, Rust’s basketball teams compiled an impressive record of 97-33 including a National Catholic Basketball Tournament Championship and a conference title. 

One of Rust’s most memorable performances came in a basketball game vs. Dakota State on November 20, 1993 when Rust shot 7 of 7 from behind the 3-point line and finished the game with 25 points.

“He learned the ropes, paid his dues, and made himself an example for future V-Hawk athletes,” commented former basketball teammate, Wayne Wagner. “He definitely took great pride in Viterbo.”

Rich Rust will be remembered as one of the best two sport athletes in Viterbo history. While some have tried it, few have succeeded. Rich Rust did!