Head men’s basketball coach Rob McCoy is retiring after 16 years with Roberts Wesleyan College. McCoy is the longest tenured coach in the athletics department and is the winningest coach in Redhawks’ men’s basketball history.
Coach McCoy leaves Roberts with 185 career wins.
In the 2017-18 season McCoy led the Redhawks to the East Coast Conference Championships for the first time in program history. It was the first time the men’s basketball team competed in post season play since transitioning to NCAA DII.
In 2010-2011 the Redhawks posted an overall season record of 21-14 and advanced on to the Final Four at the NCCAA National Championships in Oakland City, Ind. It was McCoy’s second Final Four appearance after the team had advanced to the semifinals in 2005-2006.
McCoy has earned numerous coaching awards including the NCCAA East Region Coach of the Year and the American Mideast Conference Coach of the Year.
“It’s not often that you get a chance to be at a place you love for so long and have the opportunity to be impacted by so many quality people and also have the chance to influence others in a positive way,” said McCoy.
While his on court accomplishments helped continue the growth and success of the men’s basketball program, McCoy’s presence off the court earned the respect of those across campus and in the community.
“From his time as a student-athlete at the college to his tenure as the winningest coach in program history, Rob’s commitment to the mission of Roberts Wesleyan College and his impact on the lives of coworkers and student-athletes has been significant,” said Bob Segave, Director of Athletics. “He has been a blessing to so many through his work here at Roberts.”
Longtime assistant coach and former Roberts men’s basketball player Mark Saladzius will take over as the interim head coach for the upcoming season. Saladzius has worked alongside McCoy for the last 9 years.
“Coach McCoy is a great man,” said Saladzius. “It didn’t matter if you were part of his family, a friend, one of his players or a stranger, he was going to treat you with respect and treat you as an equal. All of the basketball skills and knowledge that I learned from him are secondary to the life lessons that he taught me and modeled on an everyday basis.”
McCoy’s last day at Roberts will be October 12th.
