Feb. 2, 2007

By Philadelphia University Sports Information Office

Philadelphia University Head Men's Basketball Coach Herb Magee set the NCAA Division II record for career coaching victories on Thursday, February 1st, with his team's 65-60 overtime win against Wilmington College at home. Magee, who was recently nominated to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, now has 829 career wins and breaks the former mark of 828 victories held by the late Clarence "Big House" Gaines.

"Herb Magee has been an extraordinary coach and mentor to all his players over the years and he has inspired us with his dedication, commitment and, ultimately, great success during his 40 years of coaching." - James P. Gallagher, Philadelphia University President

Just last week, Magee tied Gaines, the Winston-Salem State legend, for first on on the DII all-time coaches list with his team's win at Holy Family University. Now in his 40th year with the Rams, Magee stands alone in NCAA Division II history with the victory over Wilmington and into sixth-place all-time in NCAA history, regardless of division.

"Herb Magee has been an extraordinary coach and mentor to all his players over the years and he has inspired us with his dedication, commitment and, ultimately, great success during his 40 years of coaching," said Philadelphia University President James P. Gallagher, Ph.D. "It is a legacy that anyone would be proud of, and we couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate this achievement on Philadelphia University's Herb Magee Court."

Philadelphia University head coach Herb Magee is surrounded by his team after setting the NCAA Division II record for career victories

The legendary Coach Magee is known both for his own stellar playing record and his extraordinary mark of 829 wins - and counting - during his 40-year coaching career. All of his wins as a coach, have been earned at Philadelphia University. Prior to his coaching, Magee was a two-time All-America as a player with the Rams and remains the third all-time leading scorer in school history with 2,235 career points. For his efforts, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1963, but opted for a career in coaching instead.

"This milestone is a tremendous achievement for Coach Magee and all those who have been associated with the Philadelphia University program," said Mike Racy, NCAA Vice President for Division II. "College sports help prepare young people for life-long achievement. Coach Magee has accepted this responsibility and his role as a mentor, teacher and coach with great class since he led his first practice in 1967. The Association would like to extend sincere, heartfelt congratulations for such an honorable accomplishment."