fact: no. 8

Franklin & Marshall’s men’s basketball coach Glenn Robinson is the all-time winningest coach in the NCAA’s Division III and is 11th among all active NCAA coaches.

Few names in college athletics are as respected and renowned as John Wooden, the former UCLA basketball coach who won 16 national titles. So when Franklin & Marshall coach Glenn Robinson surpassed him on the list of all-time winningest coaches in 2004, you could say it was a big deal. Especially considering that it came close to not happening.

A year earlier, Coach Robinson had been recruited to run for a seat in the Pennsylvania State Legislature. An ethics investigation into the incumbent had brought a rallying cry within the district for someone who could lead with integrity and character. Coach Robinson was a clear choice. And although he lost in the three-way race, so did the incumbent. Coach Robinson’s defeat brought a palpable sigh of relief from a Franklin & Marshall community that feared losing one of its most distinguished and respected figures. And it set the stage for his 667th career win, which established his legacy and places him among college basketball’s all-time greats.

“It was really flattering when several groups asked me to run. I never had any political aspirations, but knew something had to be done given the situation and some of the things that had happened. I only wish I would have been able to devote more time and resources to the campaign. You don’t realize the amount of effort and resources it takes until you’re in a position like that.

“It was a very interesting experience, but I doubt I’ll ever try it again. The result opened the door for me and my players to go to the Elite Eight and break the record last season. It was really a magical year.”