Birthdate: October 4, 1948
Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
High School: Shorewood High School (Wisconsin)
College: Kenyon College
Year Inducted: Charter Class of 2006

As a high school player from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John Rinka was passed up by Division I schools so he attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. It was there that he earned three time All-American honors (College Division) in 1968-69-70. The last two years at Kenyon he led the College Division in scoring with 33.9 ppg. and 41.1 ppg. He also led the nation in free throw percentage his senior year. According to the Individual Collegiate records, which includes players from all divisions, he ranked 8 th in career points, 3,251; ranked 6th in career scoring average with a four year average of 32.8 and ranked 8th in single season scoring average with 41.1. In 1970, John was presented the Naismith Award by the Basketball Hall of Fame for being the best college player under 6 feet tall. In the 13 team Ohio Athletic Conference he was 1st team All-Conference all four years and the MVP the last three years. In addition he was Academic All-American in 1970. He was drafted by the Utah Stars and was the last player cut. He has gone on to an outstanding career as a teacher and coach at the high school and college level.