Athletic Hall of Fame
The Gustavus Adolphus College Hall of Fame was established in 1978 at which time 19 "Charter Members" were inducted either as coaches or as athletes. As of the fall of 2022, 348 individuals (321 athletes, 16 coaches and 11 benefactors) have been elected to the Hall of Fame.
The former Hall of Fame room on the second floor of the Lund Center was originally partially endowed by the families of both Dwight Holcombe's (the only father/son combination holding membership in the Hall). The hardwood plaque upon which the individual plates are permanently displayed, now in the Hall of Champions, was donated by the family of former football coach and Hall of Fame member Jocko Nelson, who passed away in 1978.
L. Rill
Baseball and Football
Inducted: 1988
Bill Rill holds a distinctive mark in Gustavus athletic history. He is the first person to enter the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame twice. Bill was elected in 1986, but because of scheduling conflicts, he has not been able to accept his honor in person until now. Bill distinguished himself during three years of varsity service in both football and baseball, where he played catcher. It was football, where he played center, that gave him his greatest glory.
During his senior year in 1958, Bill helped lead the Gusties to an 8-0 record, the MIAC championship, and a spot in the NAIA national playoffs. His individual performance that year led to his selection as an all-conference player and an NAIA and Swiggum Lutheran All-American. In addition, Bill received the Dick Paulson Award in 1958 and 1959 as the Gustie football team's most valuable player.
Since his years in Minnesota, Bill and his wife Avis have moved to Port Orchard, WA, where he owns the Pendleton-Gilchrist Funeral Home and is secretary/treasurer of Washington Funeral Services, Inc. The Rills have two children, Mark and David.