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Mark Edwards Headed into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame

Mark Edwards Headed into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame
Posted: Jun 24, 2015

From Washington University Athletics

Washington University in St. Louis men's basketball coach Mark Edwards is one of 19 individuals that will be inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2015.

Edwards has established the WashU men's basketball team as a perennial national power. In 34 seasons at the helm, he has posted a 627-273 (.697) overall record and garnered NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year honors three times (2002, 2008, 2009).

Edwards guided WashU to the 2008 and 2009 NCAA Division III National Championships, becoming just the fourth school in Division III history to win consecutive titles. He ranks sixth in active wins by a Division III head coach and 12th all-time in NCAA Division III wins with 627.

Over the past 28 seasons, the Bears have enjoyed their most success, winning 20 or more games 16 times, participating in 19 NCAA tournaments, and finishing first or second 23 of 28 times in the competitive UAA. WashU's 27-year record in the UAA – 298-91 (.766 winning percentage) – is the league's best mark since its inception in 1987-88.

In addition, 19 student-athletes have earned 29 All-America awards under Edwards, along with eight Academic All-America honorees. After winning a combined 17 games in his first three seasons, Edwards has guided the Bears to a school-record 31 consecutive winning seasons.

Former baseball coach Ric Lessmann will also be inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame. Lessmann is the winningest coach in school history, compiling an overall record of 396-231 (.632 winning percentage) in 17 seasons as the head coach at WashU from 1994-2010. He led the Bears to three UAA titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a program-best 34-7 record in 2006.

As a member of the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame's seventh class, Edwards and Lessmann will be honored along with the following: Al Arbour, Jim Bakken, Barbara Berkmeyer, Anthony Bonner, Kevin Carter, Jack Clark, Joe Cunningham, Daryl Doran, Ben Kerner, Kenny Loehr, Steve Orthwein, Jim Otis, Chris Pronger, Howard Richards, Scott Rolen, Leon Spinks and Taylor Twellman.