WINDSOR, Ont. – St. Clair College learned Sunday that beloved longtime varsity men's basketball head coach and physical education instructor Rick Muldoon passed away at the age of 69.

Muldoon began his basketball coaching career at St. Clair as an assistant in the 1995-96 season and was promoted to head coach mid-way through the 1996-97 campaign. He went on to coach 382 exhibition and league games for the Saints second only to Al Hoffman for most games on the bench for St. Clair. Muldoon guided St. Clair to the playoffs in 10 of his 13 seasons finishing with a 106-66 OCAA regular season record.

Muldoon claimed two West Division titles in 2001-02 and 2003-04 but his greatest success was in the 2005-06 season when the Saints posted a 21-13 overall record with a 10-4 West Division record. Advancing to the playoffs Muldoon helped orchestrate three post-season wins on the way to a bronze medal at the provincial championship tournament which is the last time St. Clair was on the podium. He was presented the OCAA West Division Coach of the Year Award for his efforts that year.

Muldoon's greatest team might have been the 1998-99 squad which went 24-11 and achieved the third-highest season win total in St. Clair history. That team narrowly lost in the opening round of the provincial championships on a late basket the prevented a chance at medal play. He was also named St. Clair College's Gerald Serviss Inter-Collegiate Coach of the Year Award winner in 1997-98 which is presented annually to the Saints coach whose teams exemplify a high level of performance, sportsmanship, dedication and leadership.

Muldoon is in good company having coached at St. Clair for more than 10 years and is tied with Hoffman at 13 seasons while owning the second most wins at the helm of the men's basketball program. The quintessential players coach was a great motivator that shared his varied sports background allowing his teams to compete at a high level. Muldoon will be missed by a wide cross section of sports enthusiasts across the community in addition to the St. Clair campus.

Former players and colleagues have already contacted St. Clair College about creating a fund towards a scholarship to honour Muldoon. Anyone interested in supporting the effort can reach out to St. Clair Athletic Coordinator Ted Beale (tbeale@stclaircollege.ca).

Source: St. Clair Saints