CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State Athletics, in conjunction with the Horizon League, will celebrate the life and legacy of former Cleveland State men's basketball head coach, and 2021 Theodore Roosevelt Award recipient, John McLendon, as the League has dubbed February 12th "John McLendon Day." Cleveland State's February 12th contest will air nationally on ESPNU, with tipoff set for 9 p.m.
The "Teddy" is the highest honor the NCAA can confer on an individual. It is named after former President Theodore Roosevelt, whose concern for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics led to the formation of the NCAA in 1906.
"Coach McLendon continues to be a pioneer in both the sport of basketball and intercollegiate athletics," said current Cleveland State head men's basketball coach Dennis Gates. "He not only opened the door for Black coaches, but he is responsible for evolving the game and opening the door for all coaches, regardless of race. I'm thrilled that Cleveland State and the Horizon League will continue to honor his legacy with the inaugural Coach John McLendon Day."
In addition to on-air, social media and website recognition, Cleveland State will place two Coach John McLendon decals on the court.
McLendon, a two-time inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, was hired by Cleveland State University in 1966, becoming the first African American head basketball coach at a predominately white institution. On Dec. 1, 1966, in his first game at the helm of the Cleveland State men's basketball program, McLendon earned an 86-70 win over Hiram. Later that season, he notched his 500th career victory in a 24-22 win against Walsh on Jan. 11, 1967.
McLendon, who led the Cleveland State men's basketball program for three seasons, returned to the university in 1991 in an advisory role within the athletics department, while also using his wisdom and knowledge to teach a course on the role of minorities in sports "History of Sports and the Role of Minorities in its Development."
On Saturday, February 13th, the first place Vikings will participate in "ERACISM" a new social justice movement committed to bringing forth change through education, awareness and action. Cleveland State will wear black shirts with the words "This Game is No Secret" during warmups.
In conjunction with the Theodore Roosevelt Award announcement, Cleveland State has launched the John McLendon Enrichment Campaign, which aims to support overall student success with emphasis on academic, professional and social development. Click here to learn more: http://www.csumclendoncampaign.com/.
Donations made through the end of February will be included in a Cleveland State University contribution to the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative in honor of this prestigious recognition.
