Skip to main content Search this website
The Hall of Fame is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10AM - 4PM. Closed Monday.
1-877-4-HOOPLA
Mobile navigation toggle icon
Photo of Tony Hinkle

Paul D. "Tony" Hinkle

 Paul Hinkle, dubbed the “Dean of Indiana College Basketball Coaches,” coached three different sports at Butler College. Under Hinkle, Butler’s football, basketball, and baseball teams won more than 1,000 games, however everyone knew that Tony’s forte was basketball. Hinkle sat on the bench at Butler for 41 seasons during which time his teams were fearless and developed a reputation as giant killers. Despite playing bigger schools and national programs, Hinkle experienced only ten losing seasons. In 1929, Hinkle enjoyed his greatest coaching moment when Butler was declared national champions after going 17-2 for the season. In 1962, the Butler Bulldogs played in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history and won two games. Hinkle’s legend is remembered at Butler with the historic Tony Hinkle Memorial Fieldhouse, the longtime site of Indiana’s state high school championships, and the arena used for the movie Hoosiers. 

Enshrined

1965

Born

December 19, 1899 Logansport, IN

Died

September 22, 1992

Contributor Stats

1954-55 president, NABC
2x HELMS ATHLETIC FOUNDATION
CHAMPIONSHIPS
CHAIRMAN RULES COMMITTEE OF THE
NATIONAL BASKETBALL
COMMITTEE OF U.S. & CANADA
COACHED GREAT LAKES NAVY TEAM
DURING WWII
41 YEARS COACHING
AT BUTLER COLLEGE
KNOWN AS "DEAN OF INDIANA
COLLEGE BASKETBALL COACHES