Former Citadel coach Hill dies at 78

George E. Hill, of Parsons, Kan., former head basketball coach of The Citadel, died Friday. He was 78.

Hill coached at The Citadel from 1972-74, compiling a 33-42 record in three seasons. His best season with the Bulldogs was his first, a 12-13 mark in 1971-72 that included a 105-49 loss against Bill Walton's 30-0 national champion UCLA team.

In December 1971, Sports Illustrated writer Robert Creamer took note of the odd pairing of the Bruins and the Bulldogs. The game had been arranged by former Citadel coach Dick Campbell, who left to coach at Xavier before it could be played.

"The new Citadel coach, George Hill, came from the quiet confines of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy," Creamer wrote. "It was not until Hill had signed his contract that a Citadel official finally got around to telling him, 'Oh, by the way, you're playing UCLA on Dec. 3.' Hill looked up and, after a moment, said, 'Why?' "

The Citadel went 11-15 in 1972-73 and 10-14 in 1973-74 before Hill was replaced by assistant coach Les Robinson.

Among the Bulldogs who played for Hill were Steve Fishel, Chuck Cordell, Rodney McKeever, Mike Morris and Richard Johnson, now the athletic director at Wofford.

Hill was born in Chicago on Aug. 2, 1931, to George H. and Beatrice O. Hill. He earned a bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois and a doctorate of education from the University of Denver.

He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and eventually earned the rank of lieutenant colonel. He also served as a captain in the South Carolina State Militia. He was a civilian instructor for the U.S. Coast Guard and Georgia Military College.

Hill began his teaching career at an Illinois high school before serving as a basketball coach at several universities and colleges.

After retirement, he worked as a sportswriter for the Parsons Sun.

Hill was a member of many organizations and clubs throughout his life, including Wesley United Methodist Church, Oklahoma Coaches Association, National Junior College Basketball Coaches Association, National Association of Basketball Coaches of America and the National Association of Intercollegiate Directors of Athletics.

Hill is survived by his wife, Linda; three daughters; five stepchildren; and several grandchildren.

He was buried Monday in Parsons. Condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.