For multiple reasons, it s a shame the coronavirus pandemic forced cancellation or postponement of holiday high school basketball tournaments this week.
Rich Herrin stories almost certainly would have been plentiful in the bleachers and in the hospitality rooms, particularly south of Interstate 70.
The legendary Herrin died late Christmas Day. He was 87 and had been ill recently, according to sources.
Starting in 1956, Herrin amassed 981 victories as a boys high school and men s college basketball coach in southern Illinois. Most of those victories came at the high school level. He began his preps career at Okawville and finished it at Marion.
But beginning in 1960, Herrin spent 25 years at Benton, where his record was 521-192.
Southern Illinois coaching legend, 87-year-old Rich Herrin, died Friday night after a short illness.
Herrin’s coaching career began in Okawville. He then built a dynasty in Benton. He began coaching at SIU-C in 1985. He led the Salukis to several conference titles and was able to get the Salukis into several postseason tournaments. He coached at Marion High School for five years and finished his career at Morthland College in West Frankfort.
Private services will be held Wednesday in Benton. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
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