Union University Sports Hall of Fame
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Joe Aden came to Union from Dongola, Illinois. Aden played four years at Union from 1958-62, and was the team captain at Union all four seasons. He was named Volunteer State Athletic Conference (VSAC), VSAC All-Tournament, District 24 All-Tournament, and was the leading scorer for Union during his four seasons. He was named as the Volunteer State Athletic Conference (VSAC) most valuable player following his senior season. Aden was named NCAA All-South Region as a senior. Aden averaged 18 points per game in 1961 and 11.7 points per game in 1962. At the time, he held the record for free throws in a game with 19.
As a senior in high school, Aden was the third leading scorer in the nation averaging 36.6 points per game. He finished his high school career with 3,031 points and averaged 28.3 per game. He was named a High School All-American.
Aden, who currently resides in East Cape, Illinois, was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2014, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum. He served as the mayor of East Cape, Ill. for 34 years, and in 2009 was honored with his own day, the Joe Aden Day for Mayor. He graduated from Dongola High School in 1958. After his time at Union, he went on to earn a Master of Art Degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1968.
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