Skip Prosser
Skip Prosser
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Skip Prosser was born John Charles Prosser on November 19, 1941, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He is often referred to as simply "Skip" by friends, family, and fans.
Birth and Death Dates
Prosser passed away on July 26, 2007, at the age of 65.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Prosser was an American college basketball coach and educator. During his illustrious career, he coached at several prominent institutions, including Loyola (Chicago), Xavier University, and Wake Forest University.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a working-class family in Pennsylvania's steel country, Prosser developed a strong work ethic from a young age. His early life was marked by the challenges of growing up during the Great Depression and World War II. Despite these obstacles, he found solace in sports, particularly basketball. Prosser's talent on the court earned him a scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where he played under legendary coach Adolph Rupp.
Major Accomplishments
Prosser's coaching career was distinguished by numerous awards and accolades. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Winning two Midwestern Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year awards (1978 and 1980) while at Loyola University Chicago
Being named the National Association of Basketball Coaches District V Coach of the Year in 1997 during his tenure at Xavier University
* Leading Wake Forest to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2003
Notable Works or Actions
Prosser's commitment to education and community outreach was evident throughout his career. He established various programs aimed at promoting academic excellence among student-athletes. One such initiative was the "Skip Prosser Excellence Fund," which provided financial support for students pursuing higher education.
Impact and Legacy
Prosser's impact on college basketball extends far beyond his on-court achievements. His passion for the game, combined with a deep commitment to his players' educational and personal growth, earned him widespread respect within the coaching community.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Skip Prosser's quotes offer insights into his values and approach to coaching. He was known for saying:
> "I'm not just trying to win games; I'm trying to build men."
This statement encapsulates Prosser's focus on developing well-rounded individuals who embody the principles of sportsmanship, hard work, and dedication.
Prosser's legacy continues to inspire coaches and players alike. His emphasis on education, community involvement, and personal growth has left a lasting impact on the world of college basketball.
Quotes by Skip Prosser
It is totally different. But once we went to 12 teams, that’s just the way it was going to be. It’s just a reality. But I don’t think it’s beyond the realm of possibility that some team can win four games in four days and win the whole thing.
Coach John Wooden used seven players at UCLA. Coach Denny Crum used to say, ‘The more moving parts you have, the greater the chance you have for a breakdown.’ I think there’s a lot of veracity to that.
It is totally different. But once we went to 12 teams, that's just the way it was going to be. It's just a reality. But I don't think it's beyond the realm of possibility that some team can win four games in four days and win the whole thing.
As someone who's very competitive, I'm someone who abhors losing more than I enjoy winning. In that regard, it hasn't been a great two months, but I think our players' attitude remains pretty resolute.
Coach John Wooden used seven players at UCLA. Coach Denny Crum used to say, 'The more moving parts you have, the greater the chance you have for a breakdown.' I think there's a lot of veracity to that.