In a gymnasium on the west side of Cincinnati, you would hear chants, “Bill, Bill, open the door. Let the Lancers on the floor!” Those were the days that Bill Cady was building a perennial basketball power at Cincinnati LaSalle High School. Bill started the boys’ basketball program at LaSalle in 1963, and by 1967 he led the Lancers to their first Class AAA regional championship. Through his 25 years as head coach at LaSalle, the Lancers won 6 Greater Catholic League championships, 10 Sectional Championships, and 3 Regional championships. In total, Bill amassed 344 wins at LaSalle.

Bill began his coaching career at Cincinnati McNicholas back in 1958 and accumulated a 62-17 record. Next, Bill led the University of Steubenville basketball program to 35 wins in two seasons. But coach Cady longed to return to the competition of Ohio high school basketball, so he accepted the challenge to start a basketball program at the newly built LaSalle High School. In total, Bill’s coaching record included 441 total wins, including 406 victories in Ohio high school basketball.  Ironically, his 400^th high school victory came against McNicholas where he started coaching 35 years earlier.

Coach Cady’s teams were known for sound fundamental skills and aggressiveness. These traits also described Bill in his playing career. At St. Xavier High School, Bill was an all-conference and all-state center. He then started for three brilliant seasons at Xavier University. With his tireless dedication, Coach Cady used this experience to develop the skills of each of his players.

As a coach and a player Bill is an honored member of several Hall of Fames including Buddy LaRosa, Greater Cincinnati, Hamilton County, St. Xavier High School, and LaSalle High School Hall of Fames. He also was a three-time Greater Cincinnati Coach of Year and coached in two Ohio North-South All-Star games.

Even with all of these achievements on the court, most will remember Bill for his accomplishments off the court. Bill tirelessly worked in the community to provide food and shelter to those less fortunate. He brought this enthusiasm of community and others back to the school and his players by leading LaSalle’s Christian Service program for over 10 years. While Bill was honored that the basketball court at LaSalle bears his name, he is most proud of the ‘Bill Cady Christian Service Award’ that rewards students with the most community service hours.

Coach Cady, who recently passed away in June 2012, served as a role model on and off court for hundreds of students in Cincinnati. His commitment to excellence and service lives on today in the LaSallian community.