William Nims, your record of 749 career rebounds stood for 30
years. Tall and lanky, you proved time and time again that you
could handle yourself on the glass. Your savvy, quickness and
timing allowed you to control the boards against some of the best
centermen in New England, while also scoring 823 points. During
your junior season, when you averaged 14.4 points and 14.4 rebounds
per game, you were selected as the team's most valuable player by
the Worcester College Basketball Coaches, Sportswriters and
Sportscasters Association.
You followed up your outstanding junior season with an equally
impressive senior campaign. While serving as co-captain, you
averaged double figures in points and rebounds for your third
straight year, a feat that has been matched by any male basketball
player in WPI history. You were also the first WPI basketball
player to be named to the weekly ECAC All-East College Division
Team. Your senior season was capped when you played in the New
England College All-Star Game.
Your basketball coach, the late Charlie McNulty, said this of
you: "Bill isn't the strongest fellow in the world, and many times
I've thought I should get him out of there for a rest. However, he
is able to reach down and continue to keep up with the big effort."
You won accolades off the court as well. You were inducted into
Skull and were a member of Phi Gamma Delta. You served your fellow
students on the Athletic Council and Student service Council, and
you were a member of the varsity club.
Williams Nims, for your extraordinary basketball career, we are
honored to induct you into the WPI Athletic Hall of Fame.
