Alma mater to induct Spielbauer into Athletic Hall of Fame

“I am very fortunate to be chosen as a hall of fame member for the class of 2016,” said Spielbauer, who is a lecturer of health and physical education at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts and also serves as assistant coach for the men’s basketball team at Northwestern State University. “I have a strong feeling of honor and gratitude.

“There are so many people that I have already thanked on my own time for helping me grow as a student-athlete at William Penn, especially my parents and coaches. Individual awards are great, but to this day the only achievement that truly had significance to me was hanging banners.”

His father, Ken Spielbauer, was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 for men’s basketball. Both of his aunts were inducted in 2001. Patty Smitherman was recognized for softball and Sue Spielbauer for women’s basketball and softball.

Spielbauer is one of four who will be recognized for his athletic accomplishments during halftime of the football game on Saturday, Oct. 15.

According to a release from William Penn, Spielbauer was a program-changing force for the William Penn men’s basketball team. Competing for the Statesmen from 2003-07, he did it all on the court. He was described as tough, yet agile, smart but aggressive and as an academic standout as well.

During his time on the court, the program won two MCC titles and qualified for the NAIA Division II national championships. The team went 81-55 during his four-year span with a 40-16 record in conference play.

“No one will ever remember how many points you scored or even what your team record was, but they will always remember championship teams, and I feel that is the culture we were able to recreate at William Penn University,” said Spielbauer. “I am so thankful for this opportunity to represent many of my college teammates with this award.”

Men’s basketball coach John Henry said Spielbauer “is the player that changed the entire WPU men’s basketball program. When Jake committed to us, we had not had a winning season in 18 years. He helped change the climate and attitude of the program from within and outside, not to mention he has mad tough and crazy skills on the basketball court. In my mind, he is one of the greatest athletes all time at WPU.”