Warner University Sports Hall of Fame
Widely considered as the founder of Warner Athletics, Dr. Bill Rigel has coached everything from soccer to baseball to basketball while also serving as the first athletic director in school history, a position he held from 1973-82 and again from 1987-88.
In 1973, Dr. Rigel served as the first coach for the men’s basketball program; he continued reaching out to young student-athletes in this role for six years. He compiled a 59-57 record between 1973-1979. The 1976-77 team marked his best season with a 12-7 overall record, which ties him for second all-time in Fewest Losses in a Season with Coach Paul Buehner. He finished his basketball career with a 50.8 winning percentage.
Also in 1973, he began the men’s soccer program and served as the head coach through 1984. He returned to the same position from 1987-88 as well. During his tenure as men’s soccer coach, he led the 1977-78 Royals to the first-ever undefeated season in school history. That year the Royals finished 9-0-1 and were Florida Christian College Conference Champions under his leadership.
In 1976, Dr. Rigel coached the inaugural Warner baseball team to a 1-2 record. The following year, the Royals were 3-5 in what was his final season on the diamond. His final coaching stint came in 1981-82 as the women’s basketball head coach.
Aside from his athletic affiliations, he has served Warner faithfully for 40 years in multiple areas of academia including adjunct instructor, assistant professor, department chairs, and Dean of Students.
In 1993, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, positions which he held until 2010. He currently serves as the Dean of the School of Education.
Dr. Rigel graduated from Anderson University in 1970 with his Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Health with a minor in Education. In 1975, he obtained a Master of Arts in Physical Education – Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida. In 1989, he earned his Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Physical Education – Curriculum and Instruction from The Florida State University.
Dr. Rigel resides in Lake Wales, Fla. with his wife of 43 years, Linda. He has two children, Dr. Christa McCann and Cara Morgan, and three grandchildren, Lauren (10), Christopher (6), and Jeremiah (2).
