“Iconic St. John Arena Moment: Herb Williams Takes Flight as Jim Ellinghausen Bears Witness to Buckeyes Brilliance in 1980 Classic”

In the long and storied history of Ohio State athletics, few moments resonate quite like the electric scenes that once unfolded within the famed walls of St. John Arena. Nestled in the heart of Columbus, this cathedral of college basketball saw its share of unforgettable performances and legendary figures. One such image forever seared into Buckeyes lore is that of towering center Herb Williams, jersey number 32, rising for a shot, while teammate Jim Ellinghausen, wearing number 41, watches intently. The year was 1980, a time when passion for Ohio State basketball ran as high as the banners that swayed above the court. This single snapshot captured not just a play in motion, but a symbol of an era defined by grit, skill, and unshakable unity.

Herb Williams was not merely a player; he was a force of nature for the Buckeyes. Standing 6’11” and possessing both finesse and power, he was a nightmare for opponents in the paint. His footwork, agility, and high basketball IQ made him a dominant presence throughout his collegiate career. During the 1979-80 season, Williams was at the peak of his powers, routinely delivering double-doubles and anchoring the Buckeyes on both ends of the floor. Whether it was a spin move that left defenders in the dust or a towering block that brought the St. John Arena crowd to its feet, Williams was the heartbeat of the team. That photograph, showing him rising for a shot, was emblematic of his endless motor and relentless drive. It was not just another possession—it was Herb Williams in his element, soaring above the hardwood like a giant among men.

Jim Ellinghausen’s presence in that frame is just as telling. A reliable and hard-working forward, Ellinghausen was the kind of teammate every coach dreams of. His role wasn’t always glamorous, but his impact was always felt. He was the glue guy, the one who did the little things—setting screens, boxing out, diving for loose balls—that rarely showed up in the box score but made all the difference. His watchful gaze in the photo speaks volumes about his basketball instincts and his awareness on the court. It shows a player always ready to move, react, and support his teammate. In many ways, Ellinghausen embodied the spirit of that Buckeye squad: selfless, determined, and fully committed to the collective cause.

The 1980 season for Ohio State was one filled with highs and defining moments. Under the leadership of coach Eldon Miller, the Buckeyes had assembled a team that balanced youthful energy with veteran poise. Alongside Williams and Ellinghausen were names like Carter Scott, Clark Kellogg, and Todd Penn—players who would become household names in Buckeye Nation. Together, they forged a unit that could compete with the best in the Big Ten, often relying on stifling defense, disciplined offensive sets, and the unstoppable presence of Williams in the post. Every home game at St. John Arena became a spectacle. The raucous crowd, the rhythmic chants, the smell of popcorn and gym floor wax—it was an atmosphere that could intimidate even the most seasoned visitor.

But more than just the results on the scoreboard, it was the character of the 1980 Buckeyes that left a lasting impression. They played with pride. They played for each other. And they played for the traditions that pulsed through every brick of St. John Arena. That photo of Williams and Ellinghausen is more than a glimpse into a single play—it’s a window into a brotherhood, forged in hours of practice, long bus rides, and shared dreams of tournament glory.

As the season unfolded, Williams continued to carve out his legacy. He became Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer, a record that would stand for decades. His ability to dominate a game on both ends was unparalleled, and NBA scouts took notice. He would eventually be drafted by the Indiana Pacers, going on to enjoy a long and productive professional career. But no matter how far he went, the roots of his greatness were planted in Columbus, under the bright lights of St. John Arena, with teammates like Ellinghausen by his side.

Ellinghausen, too, carved out his own meaningful legacy. Though he didn’t ascend to the professional ranks like Williams, his contributions to the program were immeasurable. He became a mentor to younger players, a symbol of dedication and hard work. Even years later, fans remember him as the player who always gave everything he had—an embodiment of what it meant to wear the scarlet and gray.

There’s something uniquely powerful about vintage sports photographs. They freeze time, allowing future generations to peer back into a world of sweat-soaked jerseys, knee-high socks, and raw emotion. They remind us of where we’ve come from, and who helped pave the way. The photo of Herb Williams rising for a shot, with Ellinghausen watching, is exactly that: a piece of Buckeye history, eternalized in a split second of grace and grit.

St. John Arena, too, plays a vital role in this memory. Before Value City Arena became the new home of Ohio State basketball, St. John was the crucible where dreams were forged and heroes were made. Its cozy seating created an intimate yet thunderous environment, giving the Buckeyes a true home-court advantage. For players like Williams and Ellinghausen, it was more than just a venue—it was a second home, a sacred stage where they wrote the chapters of their youth.

Over the years, countless Ohio State stars have graced that court. From Jerry Lucas to John Havlicek, from Jim Jackson to Evan Turner, the lineage of greatness is rich and deep. But the 1980s generation brought a new edge to the program. They ushered in a modern era of athleticism and intensity, setting the tone for years to come. The culture they built, brick by brick, laid the foundation for what Ohio State basketball would become.

What makes that iconic moment from 1980 so enduring is the authenticity of it. There was no pomp, no social media spotlight, no viral video. Just two teammates locked in a rhythm known only to those who have battled together through adversity. The image tells a story that needs no words—a story of trust, of timing, of shared pursuit.

Even today, more than four decades later, fans old enough to remember still talk about Herb Williams with reverence. They recount his silky hook shot, his thunderous rebounds, and his uncanny ability to control a game without ever seeming rushed. They speak of Ellinghausen with equal pride, noting his toughness and his refusal to back down. These memories are passed down like family heirlooms, connecting generations through a shared love of the game and the Buckeyes.

For current Ohio State players and fans, the image serves as inspiration. It’s a reminder of what can be achieved through teamwork, discipline, and unrelenting effort. In an age of highlights and headlines, it’s a quiet testament to the power of fundamentals and the beauty of the game itself.

So as the lights continue to shine on new arenas and new stars rise to claim their place in Buckeye lore, the legacy of that 1980 moment endures. It’s etched into the walls of memory, preserved in photo albums and scrapbooks, whispered about in alumni gatherings and remembered every time a Buckeye takes the court. Herb Williams soaring for the shot. Jim Ellinghausen watching, waiting, ready to rebound or reset. Two teammates. One timeless moment. And a chapter in Ohio State basketball history that will never fade.