History

	The Butler Bulldogs began playing organized basketball in the 1897-1898 season. Under the guidance of Coach James Zink that first Bulldog squad went 2-3. In 1924 the Butler Bulldog squad and Coach Harlan O. Page were recognized as National Champions. In 1926 the legendary Paul D. "Tony" Hinkle began a 6 decade long coaching stint at Butler. Hinkle guided the 1928-29 squad to a 17-2 record and the recognition as National Champions. Hinkle not only coached the Men's basketball team but also the varsity baseball and football teams while at Butler. Over his tenure at Butler University Hinkle amassed over 1,000 wins in the three sports. Hinkle is also credited with be the man who created the orange basketball in the late 1950's, up till that time basketballs were a dark brown but Tony Hinkle wanted a more visible ball for his players. In 1966 Butler Fieldhouse was renamed Hinkle Fieldhouse in his honor. [ 1 ]
Since the Tony Hinkle retired after the 1970 season Butler University has had six coaches. The excitement that Hinkle brought to the Fieldhouse has not left however. In 2003 & most recently in 2007 the Butler Bulldogs advanced to the "Sweet 16." In 2007 the Butler Bulldogs lost to the eventual National Champion Florida Gators, but the team captured the true essence of "Hoosier Hysteria" and the "Cinderella Story".
	Butler Basketball has competed in the NCAA Tournament 11 times in their history and have compiled a record of 17-10 in those 11 trips, including being the first team from Indiana to ever make back-to-back trips to the NCAA Final 4 in 2010 and 2011.
Constructed in 1928 Butler Fieldhouse has played host to not only Butler Basketball and Butler University events but has also been the home to IHSAA State championship games in various sports.
	The first basketball game ever played in Hinkle Fieldhouse was a 1928 meeting between Butler and Notre Dame. Butler defeated the Fighting Irish that day 21-13 in overtime, since that day many more memorable contests have been held in the historic fieldhouse.
In 1954 Hinkle Fieldhouse was the site for one of the most memorable highschool basketball games ever. The Milan Indians behind future Bulldog Bobby Plump dramatically beat the top ranked and powerful Muncie Central Bearcats on a last second shot by Plump himself. This so-called "Milan Miracle" later lead to the movie "Hoosiers" in 1985. This movie became a true sports classic instantly and once again put Butler and Hinkle Fieldhouse on the map.
	Other noteworthy events have also taken place inside the historic fieldhouse. The fieldhouse has hosted six United States presidents. Four professional basketball teams have played inside the fieldhouse. The once popular Butler Relays was once held in the fieldhouse. During World War Two the building also served as a "barracks" for training troops. [ 1 ]
Still today Hinkle Fieldhouse is one of the premier places in the nation to watch a basketball game, especially the Saturday afternoon games. Hinkle Fieldhouse will continue to host current and future Bulldogs in their quest for greatness.