Xavier University Athletics
Xavier Athletics Remembers Dr. Bill Daily
12.01.18 | Athletic Department, All For One Fund
Daily was a champion for Xavier Athletics
CINCINNATI -Â Xavier University Athletics celebrates the life of one of its longtime champions, Dr. Bill Daily, who passed away at the age of 83. Visitation is Thursday, Dec. 6, from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Schiff Family Conference Center at the Cintas Center. Daily is former chairman of the Xavier Athletic Board and a retired communications arts professor whose behind-the-scenes contributions helped build Xavier Basketball into the program it is today.
 Â
Daily was the driving force in assuring Xavier's commitment and financial support to Division I athletics, especially the men's basketball program. Dr. Daily served on the Athletic Board from 1975 to 1984, including service as chair from 1977-1984. In 1978 the University contemplated moving Athletics to Division III or potentially dropping varsity athletics all together. Daily eventually led the search committee in 1979 that hired Bob Staak as head coach for men's basketball. In 1983 Staak led the Musketeers to the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1961. Daily also gave special service as chair of the selection committee for the head basketball coach in 1985 when XU hired Pete Gillen.
Â
Daily's loyalty and devotion to and passion for the University are evidenced through his many contributions to the athletic and academic environments.
Dr. Daily, a 1957 graduate of Xavier, became actively involved with Xavier athletics in 1964 when he was named assistant basketball coach under Don Ruberg. He continued in this position through 1968. In 1969 Dr. Daily was appointed to the Xavier faculty, earning tenure in 1973, being promoted to associate professor in 1997 and to full professor in 1980, and serving multiple terms as chair of the Communications Arts Department. As a faculty member he taught and mentored numerous Xavier student-athletes.
Â
Recently the Xavier All For One Fund announced The Coach Daily Basketball Managers Endowment, benefiting the managers who, like Daily, work tirelessly to advance the team with jobs, both big and small, that often go overlooked. The endowment will ensure that Xavier Basketball has the resources to provide managers with a stipend each year.
Â
 Â
Daily was the driving force in assuring Xavier's commitment and financial support to Division I athletics, especially the men's basketball program. Dr. Daily served on the Athletic Board from 1975 to 1984, including service as chair from 1977-1984. In 1978 the University contemplated moving Athletics to Division III or potentially dropping varsity athletics all together. Daily eventually led the search committee in 1979 that hired Bob Staak as head coach for men's basketball. In 1983 Staak led the Musketeers to the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1961. Daily also gave special service as chair of the selection committee for the head basketball coach in 1985 when XU hired Pete Gillen.
Â
Daily's loyalty and devotion to and passion for the University are evidenced through his many contributions to the athletic and academic environments.
Dr. Daily, a 1957 graduate of Xavier, became actively involved with Xavier athletics in 1964 when he was named assistant basketball coach under Don Ruberg. He continued in this position through 1968. In 1969 Dr. Daily was appointed to the Xavier faculty, earning tenure in 1973, being promoted to associate professor in 1997 and to full professor in 1980, and serving multiple terms as chair of the Communications Arts Department. As a faculty member he taught and mentored numerous Xavier student-athletes.
Â
Recently the Xavier All For One Fund announced The Coach Daily Basketball Managers Endowment, benefiting the managers who, like Daily, work tirelessly to advance the team with jobs, both big and small, that often go overlooked. The endowment will ensure that Xavier Basketball has the resources to provide managers with a stipend each year.
Visitation is Thursday, Dec. 6, from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Schiff Family Conference Center at the Cintas Center. A Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, at Sisters of Saint Francis Chapel, 22143 Main St., Oldenburg, Ind. 47036.
Daily's children started an endowment fund to ensure that Xavier basketball can provide managers with a stipend each year. Memorials are appreciated to the Bill Daily Basketball Managers Endowment, c/o Xavier University, 3800 Victory Parkway, ML 5440 Cincinnati, Ohio 45207.
ÂÂ
INTERVIEW | Gabriel Kuffel vs Siena
Sunday, September 14
INTERVIEW | Coach Higgins vs Siena
Sunday, September 14
HIGHLIGHTS | Men's Soccer vs Siena
Sunday, September 14
HIGHLIGHTS | Women's Soccer vs. Chattanooga
Thursday, September 11