Billy Widgeon is the first player selected to the Hall of Fame from the famous 1954-55 AC basketball team which won the district championship, advanced to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, and knocked off highly-seeded Evansville (Ind.).

Widgeon played guard his first three years at AC and some forward as a senior from 1953-57. He was born in 1935 in Richmond Va., but shortly thereafter moved to Newport, N.C. He graduated from Newport High School in 1952 and came to AC.

Widgeon, 6’1”, also played tennis at AC. But basketball was his specialty. He started on a championship team which also included Kim Buchanan, Ronald Percise, John Marley and Jerry Williams.

After his college career, Widgeon married Sylvia Allsbrook of Scotland Neck. He coached and taught in Bailey. Most outstanding note from his early coaching career was the legendary girls’ basketball team at Bailey which won 107 consecutive games, still a state record.

Widgeon went from Bailey to West Carteret High School in Morehead City in 1964 to coach basketball and golf. In his 20th year at West Carteret, Widgeon currently serves as boys’ basketball coach, golf coach and athletic director.

The Widgeons have one child, a son, Ben.