COLUMBUS, Ohio – Capital University proudly announces that legendary former men's basketball coach Dave Grube and distinguished alumnus Paul "Bucky" Walters ('47) will be inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame on April 12, 2025. Both men exemplify Capital's tradition of excellence in athletics and leadership.
DAVE GRUBE: COACHING EXCELLENCE
Dave Grube, a 1966 graduate of Kent State University, built an impressive coaching career that included leading Capital University's men's basketball program to unprecedented heights from 1978 to 1986. During his tenure as head coach, Grube compiled a remarkable 126-84 record, including three consecutive 20-win seasons.
Under his leadership, Capital won two Ohio Athletic Conference regular season titles and the 1984 OAC Tournament Championship. His 1981-82 team made history by becoming the first Capital squad to advance to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Division III tournament after winning the South Regional.
Grube was twice named OAC Coach of the Year (1982-83 and 1983-84) and received the Kodak Coach of the Year award for the Great Lakes Region in 1984. His coaching career began at The College of Wooster (1970-72) as assistant coach to Hall of Fame Coach Al Van Wie, where the team achieved a 21-1 regular season record and NCAA tournament berth in 1970-71.
At Heidelberg University (1972-76), Grube transformed a struggling program that had posted a 2-19 record before his arrival. He guided them to consecutive 13-10 seasons in 1974-75 and 1975-76, marking the first back-to-back winning seasons for the program in 23 years.
What makes Grube's success at Capital particularly impressive is that he competed in an Ohio Athletic Conference featuring nine fellow Hall of Fame coaches: Jim Burson, Dick Reynolds, Al Van Wie, Vince Chickarella, Larry Hunter, Steve Bankson, Bill Brown, Gene Mehaffey, and Gale Daugherty.
After Capital, Grube continued his coaching career at the Division I level with Kent State and Central Michigan University. At CMU, he contributed to Mid-American Conference championships in 2000-01 and 2002-03, with the 2003 team defeating 15th-ranked Creighton in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Duke in the second round.
Grube finished his head coaching career with a 216-193 record and has previously been inducted into both the Wayne County Athletic Hall of Fame and the Capital University Hall of Fame.
PAUL "BUCKY" WALTERS: PIONEERING LEADER
The late Paul "Bucky" Walters, a 1947 Capital University graduate and U.S. Navy veteran, left an indelible mark on Ohio basketball as both a coach and administrator. After briefly signing with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, Walters chose to dedicate his life to education and coaching.
At Columbus East High School, Walters led the program to the 1951 state championship – the first Columbus metro school to achieve this milestone. His coaching career, which included stops at both Columbus East and Springfield High School, resulted in a stellar 295-115 record.
Walters received Capital's prestigious Berea Boots award in 1943 and the Hugo C. Wenzel Award of Merit in 1966 for his achievements in coaching and physical education. He was inducted into Capital's Hall of Fame in 1980, just two years after its establishment.
After his coaching career, Walters served as Athletic Director for Springfield City Schools for 20 years, where he mentored numerous successful coaches and had the Springfield South gymnasium named in his honor before his passing in 1989.
INDUCTION CEREMONY
The Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus. The 2025 class includes 13 inductees representing outstanding achievements in Ohio basketball at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels.
"We encourage the Capital University community to join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals who have contributed so much to basketball in Ohio," added Sheila Fox, Executive Director. "Their induction is a testament to Capital's enduring legacy in the sport."
Tickets for the induction ceremony are available at OhioBasketballHallofFame.com.
About Capital University
With a focus on liberal arts education and student success, Capital is the oldest university in Central Ohio with almost 200 years of academic excellence. Designed as an accessible higher education experience, Capital is a private four-year undergraduate institution and graduate school located in Columbus, Ohio. Since its founding by the Lutheran Church in 1830 and charter as a university in 1850, Capital has created a community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and chosen industries. Capital offers 60 majors and more than 50 minors. Dedicated faculty work with students through high-impact learning activities in the classroom, academic advising sessions, and research opportunities. Alumni can be found across the globe leading the way to a bright future.
About the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame
The Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of both male and female basketball players in high school, college, and professional basketball, successful coaches on all levels, and those who have impacted the game along the way. The organization celebrates basketball excellence by preserving history, honoring excellence, and connecting generations.
