St. Louis Community College formally introduced its newest men’s head basketball, hiring STLCC alumnus and former McCluer North High School coach Randy Reed.
Reed has assumed the role opened by the retirement of Randy Albrecht after 36 seasons in May.
In taking the STLCC job, Reed moves on from a stellar coaching career at the high school ranks, which included three state championships at the helm of McCluer North.
Reed was always the clear front-runner in a job for the college that has not been available since the 1977-78 season.
Albrecht assisted the college in the hiring process, and identified Reed as the best option for a program that has known nothing but success over the last three decades.
“I think he has the experience, and he’s a proven winner,” Albrecht said. “He has NCAA Division I (playing) experience. He has two sons playing college basketball right now, so he’s pretty current and updated on the recruiting process. I think he’s looking for a new challenge.”
Ready for a Challenge
After winning his third state title with McCluer North, Reed had shown there was little more for him to prove at the high school level. By taking over a program that has developed an expectation of winning for three decades, Reed will get a chance to prove he also can succeed at the collegiate ranks.
“I’ve kind of topped out,” Reed said, referring to his days at McCluer North, where in addition to winning state championships, he has sent multiple athletes to NCAA Division I schools on full basketball scholarships. “This is a new horizon for me, and that’s why I took the job. I’m very happy to get this opportunity.”
Reed’s greatest asset may prove to be his ability to recruit within the St. Louis area. As an NJCAA Division II program, the vast majority of the Archers’ players will come from St. Louis City and County. Reed hopes his familiarity with area players and rapport with high school coaches will serve him well in bringing that talent to STLCC.
“I know so many high school basketball coaches, where I could pick the phone up and talk to them about their prospective players,” Reed said.” I have an easy bond, an easy bridge with the kids because I’ve coached against many of them. They respected me and I respect them. That’s really going to help me with these St. Louis ties. People have been calling me every day about their kids and St. Louis Community College.”
Continuing a Winning Tradition
As much as he has looked forward to a new challenge in his coaching career, Reed acknowledged a special pressure comes from inheriting a program not only from Albrecht, but also from longtime Forest Park coach Bob Nelson, who coached Reed during a career that included more than 500 victories.
“There’s definitely an added pressure to coming in behind Albrecht, after 28 straight winning seasons, 700 victories,” Reed said. “He’s just an icon. I played for a great coach at Forest Park in Bob Nelson, and I never would have thought at that time that I would be the head coach here, as well. I just hope that I’ll be as successful here as Randy Albrecht and Bob Nelson.”
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