StFX to honor Coach K on Nov. 27

Fans invited to celebrate CIS record-breaking win
 
Antigonish, NS—StFX men’s basketball head coach Steve Konchalski recently broke the national coaching record for CIS career wins (regular season, playoffs, non-conference), earning his 735th victory on November 6th with a 94-83 victory over UPEI. In doing so he surpassed the previous record holder, Jerry Hemmings, who had 734 career wins with Brandon University.

“It is a truly remarkable achievement that speaks to Coach K’s track record of success, his longevity, and his loyalty to our university,” comments StFX Director of Athletics & Recreational Services Leo MacPherson. “The number of wins speaks for itself, but his real legacy has more to do with the quality of young men that he has brought to the university and how he has helped prepare them to graduate and become leaders. I count myself amongst those former players fortunate enough to benefit from his teachings.”

The X-Men will play their first home game since Coach K’s record-breaking event on Friday, November 27 where the university plans to honor and recognize his achievement. All fans, former X-Men players, alumni, and basketball supporters are encouraged to come to the StFX Oland Centre to show their support for Coach K.

At 7:35 pm, in honor of CIS win number 735, a pre-game ceremony and presentation will take place to honor the legendary 35 year veteran StFX head coach. The first 735 fans to the game will receive a special commemorative Coach K poster, which Coach K will be free to autograph at the conclusion of the 8:00 pm game against the Acadia Axemen. StFX Athletics & Recreation corporate supporter Central Home Improvement will be giving away a $735 gift certificate to a lucky fan. Fans must be at the game by 7:35 pm to receive a ticket for this prize. In addition, there will be contests and promotions throughout the game. 

Coach K currently has an all-time overall career coaching record of 737 wins and 399 losses, coaching in over 1100 games throughout his CIS career. He has led the X-Men to 14 appearances at the CIS championship and has won three national titles (1993, 2000, 2001). His X-Men have made 33 consecutive AUS playoff appearances and won 9 AUS championship titles. Coach K was named the 2001 CIS Coach of the Year and has been honored as AUS Coach of the Year on six occasions.

Outside of his StFX coaching experience, Steve served as the Canadian national team head coach for four years (1995-98) and assistant coach for 16 years (1973-1988), participating in three Olympic Games (1976, 1984, and 1988). He is currently an advisor to the national team program as a member of the Basketball Canada Council of Excellence.
 
As a player, Steve led Acadia University to a national title in 1965 where he was named tournament MVP. A native of Elmhurst, NY, Coach K has been inducted into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame (2008, 2001), Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame (2007), Acadia Sports Hall of Fame (1994), Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame (1993) and was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Frank Baldwin Memorial Award for dedication to basketball in Nova Scotia in 1999.

In continuing with the honoring of Coach K’s achievement on November 27, the StFX celebration will continue at half-time with recognition of four StFX varsity teams who recently won 2009 AUS championship banners. The X-Women rugby, X-Women cross country, X-Men cross country and X-Women soccer teams will all be honored.