Gritty determination and steely-eyed leadership. That is what V-Hawk fans, coaches, and teammates got with James Vacek. A four-year starter for Viterbo, Vacek will be remembered as one of the finest point guards to ever wear a V-Hawk uniform.

From 1992 to 1996, with James at the helm, the V-Hawk men's basketball teams won an average of 22 games a season, qualified for the school's first-ever NAIA National Tournament, won a national Catholic Basketball Tournament, and never finished lower than 2nd place in the Midwest Classic Conference. Anyone associated with those teams will tell you that it was the 6'1" Vacek who was the linchpin, holding together some of Viterbo's best.

James' personal statistics are also impressive. During his senior campaign, he was named MCC Player of the Year and was recognized as an Honorable Mention NAIA Division II All-American pick.

A very unselfish point guard, Vacek delivered the ball to open shooters as well as anyone in Viterbo basketball history. In fact, on February 23, 1996, in an MCC play-off game versus Clarke, Vacek handed out 18 assists, a Viterbo basketball record. But more than just a great passer, Vacek was a tremendous scorer. Upon graduation, Vacek ranked fifth all-time in career points at 1,423. He posted one of the school's best all-around statistical seasons in 1995-96, averaging 16.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds, while shooting 43% from three-point territory. During his sophomore season he also set a school record for most free throws made in a game with 16 versus Grand View.

A Holmen, WI native, Vacek embodied the V-Hawk ball player like few others. Scrappy and relentless, he always seemed to be in command of things on the court, while remaining humble and appreciative off it.

Vacek was a true team player.