Vincennes University will pay tribute to its first All-American basketball player, Noel Carie, this evening at the PE Complex. Carie, a Vincennes native, passed away on December 4th in Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent much of his adult life.

A graduate of Central Catholic High School in 1955, Carie played basketball for Vincennes University for two seasons, ranking 20th on the program’s all-time scorers list. He later continued his playing career at Christian Brothers University in Memphis.

Leon Haag, a lifelong friend and former teammate of Carie, first competed against him in elementary school before they played together at Central Catholic, VU, and Christian Brothers. Haag’s son, Lee, recalls Carie’s down-to-earth nature and the strong connection he maintained with his hometown. He noted that Carie often spoke fondly of the Rivet girls’ basketball team and stayed close to the community throughout his life.

Carie’s family will be present for the ceremony, which takes place between the VU women’s and men’s basketball games tonight. The women face Olney Central at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game. The tribute is set for approximately 7 p.m.

Carie’s legacy will also be featured in an upcoming episode of First City Focus on Vincennes PBS.