Magee Breaks NCAA Coaching Record

Philadelphia University coach records his 903rd coaching victory, earning him a spot in history

Philadelphia University men's basketball coach Herb Magee has cemented his place in sports history.

That's because the Division II coach has become the winningest coach in the NCAA.

Magee's Rams brought home the coach's 903rd victory against Goldey-Beacom College Tuesday night.

Fans packed Herb Magee Court on the university's East Falls campus to help their own personal JoePa make it to legend status.

Students painted their bodies maroon and silver and held signs like "Respect the 'Stache" to help push the team to victory. But the Rams didn't need it as they dominated Goldey-Beacom 76-65.

The final buzzer could barely be heard as a deafening roar celebrating Magee's achievement echoed through the hall that bears his name.

But for Magee, it's not about him, it's about the kids.

"This is for the students," Magee proclaimed after the game. "This is unbelievable for us, for the university, for the student population and especially for our team."

With Tuesday night's win, Magee surpasses former Indiana coach Bobby Knight's record of 902 victories.

Magee has spent 50 years at the small, private university both as a player and coach. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics out of college, but chose to stay home and work with the team he loved so much.

Within a few years, he became the coach -- a spot in which he's remained for the last 43 seasons.

Magee didn't shy away from the big leagues, though. He is well known in the NBA as a stellar free throw coach working with numerous players including greats like Charles Barkley.

Coaching for so long, Magee also has earned a national championship, 24 NCAA tournament appearances, and has been inducted into his high school and college halls of fame.

Magee is also up for a spot in the national basketball hall of fame.

While he seemed to brush off most of the attention surrounding him, there was one thing he really loved from the night's experience -- a huge cutout photo of his head.

"You guys who held up my face -- that was the best part of the whole game," he told the crowd.

Magee's record could climb even higher before the season's over, the team faces Nyack College on Saturday.
 

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