Hall of Fame
Bill Gross came to Augustana College in 1969 from Hayfield, Minnesota. He brought with him a presence that would threaten opponents on the hardwood for four years.
As the center of the Augustana basketball team, Bill was a starter for four seasons. His efforts earned him All-NCC honors in 1971, 1972, and 1973. On his way to conference honors, he broke record upon record. By the end of his career, he had scored more points (1628) and grabbed more rebounds (1130) than any Viking cager ever had. He also broke the seasonal rebound record (312) and in the course of three games, sank 39 of 39 free throws.
Bill lettered each of his four years on the Viking squad, and was selected to the All-Lutheran first team in 1973. He made the All-Lutheran second team two previous years.
Bill went from Augustana to Mitchell, South Dakota, where he was assistant basketball coach for two years. He moved to Marshall, Minnesota, in 1976 to take the head coaching job there. In 1979, Bill earned his M.A. and returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach. Later, he became head basketball coach, compiling a 95-52 record through five seasons, and making appearances at two NCAA Division II regional tournaments.
