MUNCIE, Ind. -- Jim Hinga, former Ball State basketball coach and Heartland Collegiate Conference commissioner, has died. He was 78.

Hinga, who died Monday, coached the Cardinals from 1954-1968 and compiled a 154-169 career mark, still a school record for victories. He also was an assistant football and track coach and Ball State's manager of physical education and athletic facilities and services from 1969-81.

He was commissioner of the former Indiana Collegiate Conference from 1970-78, when it became the Heartland Conference, and continued as commissioner until 1984.

Hinga, who previously coached basketball, football and track at West Lafayette and Fort Wayne North high schools, was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983.