Ernest C. Quigley

Ernest C. Quigley, born on March 22, 1880, in Canada, was a multifaceted sports figure who made significant contributions to basketball, baseball, and football. Raised in Concordia, Kansas, he pursued higher education at the University of Kansas, where he not only studied law but also played college basketball under the legendary James Naismith, the inventor of the game.

Quigley's career spanned several decades, during which he became a prominent basketball referee, officiating college games for an impressive forty years. His expertise extended beyond basketball; he also umpired over three thousand Major League Baseball games, showcasing his versatility in the world of sports. Additionally, he served as a college football official, participating in numerous bowl games and contributing to the NCAA's Rules Committee.

In the realm of coaching, Quigley held the position of head football coach at Kansas Wesleyan University and later became the athletic director at the University of Kansas. His dedication to sports and education left a lasting impact on the institutions he served.

Ernest C. Quigley passed away in Kansas in 1960, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering sports official and coach whose influence is still felt in the athletic community today.