Robert James Calihan (August 2, 1918 – September 22, 1989) was an American basketball player and coach.
Personal information | |
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Born | Perry, Iowa, U.S. | August 2, 1918
Died | September 22, 1989 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | (aged 71)
Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
Career information | |
High school | St. George (Evanston, Illinois) |
College | Detroit Mercy (1937–1940) |
Position | Guard / forward |
Career history | |
As player: | |
1940–1942 | Detroit Eagles |
1942–1944 | New London Diesels |
1942–1943 | Harrisburg Senators |
1943–1944 | Hartford Villanovas |
1945–1947 | Chicago American Gears |
1947–1948 | Flint Dow. A.C.'s |
1947–1948 | Chicago Gears |
1948–1949 | Syracuse Nationals |
As coach: | |
1948–1969 | Detroit Mercy |
Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Calihan played for the University of Detroit from 1937 to 1940. He led his team in scoring during each of his three seasons and became the school's first All-American honoree in 1939.[1] After graduating in 1940, he played professionally in the National Basketball League for the Detroit Eagles, Chicago American Gears, Syracuse Nationals and other teams. He became Detroit Mercy's basketball coach in 1948, and remained in that position until 1969. Over his coaching career, he posted a 360–237 record, leading his team to three NIT appearances and an appearance in the 1962 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. Detroit Mercy's Calihan Hall was named in his honor in 1977.[2]
References
edit- ^ Detroit Titans basketball media guide. Retrieved on July 2, 2009.
- ^ "Detroit U's coach Calihan dead". Chicago Tribune. September 23, 1989. Sports, 5.