Arthur A. Schabinger

As a college basketball coach Arthur Schabinger won nearly 80 percent of his games, but his impact on basketball extended well past the hardwood. His 19 collegiate seasons included stops at Ottawa University, Emporia Teachers College, and Creighton and in all that time Schabinger experienced only one losing season. As coach of Creighton University, “Schabie” challenged his team by setting up intersectional games against the Midwest’s toughest teams – a new practice at the time. A leading advocate in the formation of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, Schabinger fought for the 10-second rule when opponents froze the ball. He helped conduct tryouts for the first Olympic team in 1936, was a salesman of early basketballs, and even officiated football, basketball, and baseball games across the region. Promoted the adoption of the last-built, molded basketballs by colleges. Officiated in the Missouri Valley Conference, Big 8, Kansas and Missouri Conferences, and the AAU Tournament. President of the NABC in 1932, the tireless Schabinger also served on the NABC Rules Committee and the Amateur Athletic Union Basketball Committee. Author of the NABC’s Constitution and By-Laws, and designer of its emblem.