Bruce Langford made Simon Fraser University program history Saturday night.
The women’s basketball coach passed hall of famer Allison McNeil in career wins following SFU’s 76-56 victory over Western Oregon at home on Jan. 17.
The win was Langford’s 364th career victory in NCAA Division II and Canadian Interuniversity Sport, surpassing McNeill, who had a win/loss record of 363-79 with the Clan in NAIA and one season of CIS.
“It’s nice to win this game here at home in front of some people who came out to watch us play tonight, because this game was special,” said Langford in a school press release. “A lot of my ex-players were here, and I got to win the game in front of my grandson.”
In his 14th season at the helm of the women’s team, Langford’s numbers make him the most successful basketball coach in Clan history.
Langford teams placed first overall on eight separate occasions and won five Canadian collegiate national titles in nine seasons in the Canada West conference, including undefeated runs in 2002 and 2005.
Seven times a Langford-coached team has amassed more than 30 wins in a season. On two occasions, Langford led SFU on winning streaks of 45 and 54 games without a loss.
In 2013, Langford guided the Clan to second place in the Great Northwest conference with a 25-6 season and to the Round of 16 at the national championships in SFU’s first year of NCAA eligibility.
But it’s less about the numbers than it is for the young women who have passed through the basketball program, said Langford.
“That’s very special,” he said. “It’s sharing their successes – going to their weddings and graduations.”
In the history-making win on Saturday, Erin Chambers scored a game-high 21 points. Meg Wilson chipped in with 19 points and a game-high nine rebounds, while guard Ellen Kett dished out a game-best 10 assists in the win.
Div. I transfer Alisha Roberts of Burnaby, who had five points and two steals in the memorable victory, had high praise for Langford.
“Great coaches impact your life on and off the court, and Bruce has done that for me,” she said in the release.
Earlier in the week, Clan freshman Rachel Fradgley registered a game-high 20 points and 11 rebounds to give SFU an 83-70 win over Saint Martin’s University, tying Langford with McNeill in career wins with 363.
Roberts chipped in with 11 points in the program-tying win.
“You just try to win every game, one at a time,” Langford said.
This week, the Clan are up against tough opponents in Alaska with games against fifth-place Fairbanks and conference leader Anchorage on Saturday. It gets no easier the following week, when SFU tips off against No. 2 Seattle Pacific.
“This is going to be a huge test to see where we really are at,” he said.
