Coach Herb Magee became the second men’s coach in NCAA history to reach 1,000 wins, as the Rams beat Post University 80-60 Saturday. Magee has earned every one of his wins as the coach of Philadelphia University over a 48-year reign. Magee took over as coach in 1967 as a 25-year-old former star for the school and hasn’t looked back since.
Offers have come in multiple times to try to uproot Magee, including a chance to play for the Boston Celtics that would have delayed his coaching career. Yet Magee stayed at Philadelphia. His loyalty to his alma mater is refreshing in a time when it may seem like coaches and players go where the money or limelight is.
People may think Magee isn’t worthy of being in the same club as Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who earlier this season became the first coach to 1,000 wins. Magee took 48 years to win his 1,000 games, while Krzyzewski has coached for 41. People may say Magee shouldn’t count as much because of his wins coming at a Division II level.
Magee absolutely belongs in the club. Regardless of whether he’s a Division I or II coach, winning 1,000 games is an incredible accomplishment that speaks of success and longevity. It isn’t like he has superior players playing lesser players; Magee and his squad are at the same level of talent as their competition.
Regardless of the perceived level of difficulty in reaching his 1,000 wins, Magee should receive praise and respect for his accomplishment. The sporting world needs more figures like Magee, and he should be congratulated on his remarkable record.
