Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Gene Stotlar named to NAIA 75th Anniversary All-Star team
03/05/2012 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
March 5, 2012
Former Southern Illinois University men's basketball player Gene Stotlar was one of 75 individuals named to the NAIA 75th Anniversary All-Star team, the association announced Monday. This team is comprised of 60 athletes and 15 coaches.
Stotlar was a First-Team All-American in 1946, was the MVP of the NAIA Tournament and led SIU to the National Championship. Southern finished 20-6 that season and won 16 of its last 17 games. He also was All-Conference in football.
A special committee of current and former coaches, tournament staff, dedicated media and long-time supporters was created to help with the selection process. After fans voted on a web site ballot, this committee followed several criteria to select the 75th Anniversary All-Star Team. Criteria included and in no particular order: performance at a national tournament, game statistics, involvement in a national championship-winning team; status on All-Tournament Team and/or Tournament MVP.
The NAIA is proud of its 75-year history and the advancement of character-driven intercollegiate athletics. From the origins in 1937 when Central Missouri State Teacher's College (now University of Central Missouri) won the first title game to the creation of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in 1952, the NAIA has evolved into a membership-driven association. Icons such as John Wooden, Dr. James Naismith, Emil Liston, Travis Grant and Terry Porter have all been an integral part of NAIA history.
