Saint Louis honors Rick Majerus with memorial on Friday
By Terrence PayneDec 7, 2012, 8:16 PM EST
The college basketball world was rocked last Saturday whens news broke that former head coach Rick Majerus had passed away at the age of 64, after battling many health issues.
Since then, former homes for Majerus such as Utah and Marquette have paid their respects to the late coach. On Friday, Saint Louis, Majerus' last coaching stint, honored him with a memorial service.
"His fingerprint is all over college basketball," said Saint Louis interim head coach Jim Crews. "Everywhere you go, there he is."
According to the Associated Press, hundreds attended the service at Chaifetz Pavilion on the Saint Louis campus. Photos of Majerus and players were featured throughout the pavilion, including plays Majerus would draw up on pieces of paper.
Majerus took over the Saint Louis program in 2007 and helped make the Billikens make the transition to the Atlantic 10 Conference. In five seasons, Majerus went 95-69, including an NCAA tournament appearance in 2012. In 25 seasons on the sidelines, Majerus complieda coaching record of 517-216, leading Utah to the Final Four in 1998.
Marquette will wear patches honoring Majerus, who served as an assistant to Al McGuire, later becoming the head coach in 1983. Utah, where Majerus won over 300 games, placed a sweater on the front seat of the bench for Majerus. The Utes beat Boise State 76-55.
"Family, friends, food, basketball, players – if that was involved Rick was singing and whistling a happy tune," Crews told the AP. "It was always about people and that was what made Rick so special."
The funeral for Majerus will take place on Saturday in Milwaukee.
Terrence is also the lead writer at NEHoopNews.com and can be followed on Twitter: @terrence_payne