Doug Williams finished as St. Mary's all-time leading scorer, a record that still stands today, with 2,246 career points. He played from 1966-1968 and in 1970 (after returning from serving in the Air Force in the Pueblo crisis in 1968). The 6-foot-9 center averaged 20.8 points per game for his career at St. Mary's, which spanned 108 games. He scored a career-high 629 points in the 1966-1967 season and posted 511 points the year before in 1965-1966. Doug won three Big State Conference championships (1966-1967, 1967-1968, 1969-1970). He had a career wins-loss record of 74-36, including going 35-5 in conference play. He was inducted into the St. Mary's Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984.
Williams, who participated in the 1968 Olympic Trials, was a three-time NAIA All-American, earning Third Team honors in 1966-1967, Second Team honors in 1967-1968 and First Team honors in 1969-1970. He was also a three-time All-State Big Conference selection (1965-1966, 1966-1967, 1969-1970) and was All-NAIA District IV in 1969-1970.
His Rattlers won the NAIA District 4 championship in the 1966-1967 season, advancing to the NAIA Tournament in Kansas City, Mo. His Rattlers lost in the third round to St. Benedict's, 88-73, after beating Wartburg (59-56) and Westminster (55-53) in the opening two rounds. His team lost the NAIA district best-of-3 playoff series to Stephen F. Austin in the 1967-1968 season.
In 1955, shortly after graduating from Mother Mary Mission High School, Williams began his extensive career in the United States Air Force. In 1966, at 27, when most athletes are ending their careers, because of his 10-year basketball experience and notoriety while in the service, he was recruited and enrolled at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. He faithfully served his country in the Air Force and Air National Guard for over 30 years. While at St. Mary's, he had to leave in Feburary 1968 to begin a year's service overseas during Pueblo crisis. He stayed in shape by playing on the base team.
Williams was born in Phenix City, Ala., in 1938. He passed away at 57 on Oct. 12, 1995 in Memphis, Tenn. He was survived by his wife, Barbara Sapenter; five children, Don, Trudy, Blanche, David and Dion; and nine grandchildren.
