Hall of Fame
A National Basketball Association legend provided a memorable moment in Paul Schenkelberg’s Augustana career. “Attempting to guard Larry Bird when we played at Indiana State,” Schenkelberg recalls. Indiana State won 94-69, and Bird advanced to the NBA where he was voted rookie of the year in 1980 and was a nine-time All-NBA first team choice. But, Schenkelberg’s court skills did not go unnoticed.
The Argus Leader’s John Egan wrote, “How about the value of Paul Schenkelberg? He handles the most difficult defensive assignment with obvious delight…and has shut down more than a few.” Schenkelberg was more than a valued defender. For the 1976-77 North Central Conference season, the 6-foot-6 forward/center was third in assists behind two point guards. And he set a league record shooting .740 percent from the field.
He was a key contributor to a trio often referred to as “Augustana’s powerful front line of Arvid Kramer, Greg Nagel, and Paul Schenkelberg.” With Schenkelberg in the lineup, Augustana won the NCC championship in 1978. Achievements with the Vikings included school (.607 percent) and conference records for field-goal shooting, Academic All-Conference, and a pair of appearances in NCAA post-season play.
He was among the NCC’s top 14 for all five individual statistical categories, with the exception of scoring. Memorable moments included, “Cutting down the nets and celebrating after winning the conference title; setting a conference record at USD (75 percent shooting), and throwing a one-hitter.” His value as an athlete extended to the diamond. While at Augustana, two of his favorite staffers were Larry Borgum and Duane Matz. “Borgie was our sports information director, trainer, and our biggest fan. He had unconditional love and support for Augie and its athletes. The bigger the game, the tighter the ankles got taped.
“Duane and the entire history department were outstanding. They developed my love for history and modeled how to teach it so students found it engaging."
