Approximately 36 years after the beginning of his career, Albrecht scores his 700th win.
Spencer Gleason
– Sports Editor –
The game of basketball is a team game. Coaches prepare their team for the game at hand. They send their players into battle where natural athleticism takes over until the ultimate goal is achieved—a win. Rarely is one game put on a pedestal, yet sometimes just one win can have more meaning.
On Monday, Nov. 29, after the Magic defeated the Fontbonne J.V. Griffins, 53-93, the Magic players took a step aside for their coach allowing him to relish the moment. Head coach Randy Albrecht had just won his career 700 game.
“It means a lot to be a part of such an accomplishment,” Magic guard Dietrick Sooter said after the game. “Seven hundred wins is very rare to come by. I’ve never been a part of it and I’m very excited for him.”
Albrecht ranks 21st all-time among National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) basketball coaches with his 700 career wins. The NJCAA, which was founded in 1938, has only ten active coaches with 700 or more victories. By season’s end, Albrecht could be in the top 15 all-time.
“It’s really exciting because it’s history,” sports information director Bob Frischman said. “It’s history in sports and it’s something very few men’s basketball coaches in the nation have ever achieved—700 wins.”
Albrecht’s head coaching career dates back to 1974 when he coached the St. Louis University (SLU) Billikens. While coaching the Billikens for three seasons, Albrecht gathered a record of 32-47. Since leaving SLU and coming to STLCC-Meramec in 1977, Albrecht has compiled a record of 669-424. His lifetime record of 701-471 gives him a winning percentage of .598.
Albrecht said his ability to recruit local talent and mix them with other athletes, even at times going outside the country, has given him the opportunity to recruit the best players he sees. When the NJCAA instituted divisions in 1985, Meramec was placed in Division II. Since then, Albrecht has guided the Magic through a winning streak of 25 consecutive seasons.
“I think that’s more than half the battle,” said Rick Hummel, Hall of Fame sportswriter and St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist. “No matter how good of a coach you are, if you don’t have the players, you’re not going to win anything. A lot of coaches may recruit only to fit their style of play. I would think a good coach would recruit the best players and he’ll suit his style of play to fit the players.”
Observing the historical moment were Meramec athletes, friends of players, players’ families and the local media. Those in attendance were able to witness Meramec Magic athletics and the spectacle that followed.. It was the scene. It was the moment. It was the man.
“To be able to achieve that kind of milestone, that’s a big deal,” said Jason Montgomery, father of Magic guard Jordan Jones. “For my son to be a part of it, he’s definitely excited. He’s talked about it a few times.”
Albrecht has been elected into three halls of fame, including the Magic Hall of Fame in 2003, Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004 and NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2006. He has two President’s Cups and his coach of the year awards exceed 20.
“Albrecht stands out every game, every town we go to because of his professionalism,” Frischman said. “He looks like a NCAA Division I head coach. He acts like one. He has always represented Meramec extremely well. He’s a true asset in every since of the word to the college.”
As the game clock approached zero, fans rose to their feet while holding signs that read “700!” They gave Albrecht a standing ovation. It is during moments such as this, when pure elation is felt and shared by everyone—even Albrecht’s biggest fan, his wife.
“It feels good to get this one out,” said Albrecht, while holding the game ball. “The kids performed well. A lot of our kids contributed. The bench helped out. Everybody got to play. But it’s just a testimony to having a lot of good kids over the years.”
