Russell J. Beichly (1975) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Russell J. Beichly

Induction:
1975

INAUGURAL CLASS
1941-59
Men's Basketball Head Coach

A 1926 Wittenberg graduate, Russ Beichly came to Akron in 1940 as its head basketball coach after several successful years at Akron West High School. The flamboyant coach, the Beau Brummel of Buchtel Avenue, parlayed enthusiasm, personality and fire-wagon red vest into a successful coaching career.

Beichly was an exponent of race horse, give and go basketball and the theory that the best defense was a good offense. His Akron basketball varsity teams of 1945-1959 posted identical 21-2 records. His Zip cagers won Ohio Conference titles in 1945, 1946, 1949, 1952, and 1956 and he has selected Ohio Coach of the Year in 1959.

In 19 years at the helm, Beichly emerged as UA’s all-time most victorious coach, compiling a 288-144 record. Beichly developed a succession of Akron basketball stars, including Johnny Lutsch, Tommy Lucas, Harold Rosenthal, Fritz Nagy, Sammy Serves, Hank Vaughn, Bobby Walker, Jim “Red” Fenton, Mike Harkins, Jim Beck, Ray Pryear. Fred Golding, Bob Whaley, Alex Adams, among others.

Beichly served for a time as athletics director and coached some of the finest Akron basketball talent in University history.