A native of New Hampton and graduate of Buena Vista University, Coach Ball started his career in 1983 at Lake Mills. He was an assistant coach to Jack Stanley and assumed the head coaching reins from 1988 to 2002, when he assumed the Mount Pleasant head job until retiring from wrestling in 2009. His 22 years as a head mentor was embellished by several honors. At Lake Mills he authored a dual meet win-loss record of 154-70. Four of his teams were top three winners at the State Dual Team Tournament including the 2000 Champions. He also directed his 1998 team to second and the 1997 and 1999 units to third. At the Traditional State Tournament, Lake Mills was third in 1990 and sixth in 2000. He was a rare two-time Class 1A State Coach-of-the-Year in 1990 and 1997. His teams in 1997, 1998 and 1999 earned North Iowa Conference titles to break up a dominance long held by Osage. He coached 50 state qualifiers at Lake Mills with 22 finishing as place winners and four winning state titles. At Mount Pleasant he posted a 57-81 mark, coached nine state qualifiers with four ascending the medal stand. His love for the sport was evident at both schools and second only to his enthusiasm and joy of coaching young people as evidence by his help with football, track, softball and golf programs. At both schools he was the catalyst to starting youth programs and youth tournaments. At Mount Pleasant he worked with Athletics Director Bob Jensen to design and construct the Panthers' new wrestling room. He still teaches in Mount Pleasant. He and his wife Beth are the parents of three grown daughters Jessica, Dana and Keely He joins his brother Tom who was previously inducted.