Very sad news from Clark University, as they have announced that assistant coach Pat Oroszko has passed away after a valiant fight with esophageal cancer. Our thoughts and prayers tonight are with Coach Oroszko’s family and the Clark University community.

Below is the official statement that Clark released, followed by a tribute video…

Patrick Oroszko, a men’s basketball assistant coach and former team captain, passed away surrounded by family and close friends on Sunday, June 5 after a valiant fight with esophageal cancer.

Oroszko (Class of 2003) arrived at Clark in 1999 as a freshman and went to the postseason in all four years including a pair of trips to the NCAA Elite Eight (2001, 2002). He went a combined 88-19 in his four years, averaging 5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds and still ranks eighth on the school’s all-time games played list with 107 while serving as a two-time captain.

“This is obviously a tremendous loss for all of us here at Clark University,” said head coach Paul W. Phillips, who recruited Oroszko out of high school. “Pat’s spirit and perseverance never waned as he battled this horrible disease and his toughness was something that made all of us proud. Our sincerest wishes, thoughts and prayers are with the countless lives he touched, especially his wife Courtney and children Allison and Ryan.”

For the last seven plus years, Oroszko served as an assistant coach with the program while working in several capacities within the University’s graduate school office, most recently as the Director of Graduate Student Recruitment.

Originally from Worcester, Mass. Oroszko starred at regional power Saint John’s before coming to Clark and embarking on a career with the University that spanned nearly two decades.

Oroszko is mourned by his wife Courtney, also a 2003 Clark University graduate and their two young children, Allison and Ryan.

Calling hours for Thursday are being arranged through Mercadante Funeral Home in Worcester.

There will be a Celebration of Life to honor Pat on Friday, June 10 at 11:00 AM in the Kneller Athletic Center on the campus of Clark University. The public is welcomed to attend and encouraged to dress casually, preferably in red and white – the colors of the University’s athletic teams.