Hail to Coach Geno Auriemma: U Conn Ladies Basketball Team has 78 Straight Wins

Head Coach Geno Auriemma in 2008

I am fascinated by winning numbers and by winning coaches. (see my blog on Mike Ditka's enviable coaching record of 65-12--an 85 percent win record-- in the mid -eighties). These coaches possess a certain charisma and magic that often lasts for many years as in Auriemma's and Ditka's tenures and just briefly as in Buff Donelli's scenario (see below)

Auriemma just finished his fourth perfect season: 1994-1995 (35-0), 2001-2002 (39-0), 2008-2009 (39-0) and 2009-2010 (39-0).

In 25 seasons with the Huskies, his team won seven NCAA Champion Titles.

Auriemma's winning percentage of .857 (735-122) is highest among active coaches.

Note: the team has played a total of 857 games which is fortuitously matched by his winning percentage. That's as perfect as perfect can be!

Aldo Buff Donelli starred on the Football Team of Duquesne University

In passing, I must mention another outstanding coach of my era of with Italian roots. Coach Aldo Buff Donelli molded and inspired a bunch of tough athletes at Columbia during his tenure from 1957-1967. His magic came to fruition in one great year and dynamite team: his 1961 team won the schools's only Ivy Title. His record was an enviable 6-1 or a winning percentage of .857.

Does that number-- .857 sound familiar? It sure captures my attention as if written in the stars--linking two fantastic coaching personalities.

Buona Fortuna, Coach Auriemma. You have extended Coach Donelli's feat many times over!
Image source (1)

Image source (2)