ADAM SANDERS

Adam Sanders ranks as one of the most successful coaches in Washington & Jefferson College history in any sport. As the head men’s basketball coach from 1933–1954, Sanders’ teams accumulated a win-loss record of 222-115(.659), marking the best stretch in the history of the program.

Sanders’ teams achieved success nearly every season as his only losing season came in his first in 1933–34. One of the most notable athletic accomplishments in W&J history occurred during Sanders’ tenure as he led the 1942–43 Presidents to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), which was the most exclusive post-season college basketball tournament in the nation at the time.

Washington & Jefferson College placed third in the event, defeating Creighton University and Fordham University, and finished the season with an 18-5 overall record. His 1950–51 squad posted an 18-3 overall record, which stood as the best in the College’s history for 43 years. Sanders was also credited with recruiting and coaching some of the top basketball talent in school history, including Buddy Jeannette ’38, a 2001 W&J Hall of Fame inductee; Andy Mestrovic ’51, a 2002 W&J Hall of Fame inductee; and Cy Godfrey ’55.