Former Keene State head men’s basketball coach Rob Colbert passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 53. KSC released has the following statement:

We are saddened to share the passing of former Keene State College colleague, Robert (Rob) Colbert, who passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

Rob served as the college’s head men’s basketball coach from 1999 to 2015. He also served as Associate Athletic Director for all but five of those years.  While in his role at Keene State, Rob was the all-time wins leader among men’s basketball coaches, with 284 victories in his 16 seasons. He finished with a .641 winning percentage, leading the Owls to an Elite 8 appearance in 2004, a Sweet 16 appearance three years after that, seven appearances in the LEC tournament championship game, and a pair of Little East Conference titles.

Rob’s passing is a sad loss for the Keene State community and the greater Keene community where Rob worked, lived, and was civically active. At the time of his passing, he was working as a financial adviser for Edward Jones and was the head coach for the girls’ basketball team at Monadnock Regional Middle-High School.

Rob leaves behind his wife, Michelle, and two teenage sons, Andy, and Jack. Andy is currently a student at Keene State College and is part of our immediate Keene State family. Our thoughts are with them and all the Colbert family and friends.