Michael Strong

Category
1998
About This Inductee

Mike graduated from Wallenpaupack Area High School in 1962 where he played basketball on their league and district championship team. He was leading scorer and MVP in the Honesdale JC Basketball Tournament. He continued his education at Keystone Junior College, where he also was a basketball team starter, receiving an Associate’s Degree in 1964. He later coached their basketball, soccer and tennis teams. He went on to receive his B.S. from Concord College in 1967, and his Master’s from West Chester University in 1969, and another from the University of Scranton in 1982. Mike is counted among the top 10 winningest women’s basketball coaches in all divisions of the NCAA and is ranked number 2 all-time in Division III with a winning percentage of .811. Mike is the only collegiate coach to collect national titles in both men’s and women’s basketball. He served as assistant Royals coach during their ride to the 1976 NCAA title, and he led the Lady Royals to a National Division III title in 1985. That 1985 team attained a national record 38-game win streak which carried over into the 1986 season. His first Lady Royals team in 1980 advanced to the final four and captured third-place honors, as did the 1987 and 1993 teams. As recently as 1997, Scranton advanced to the NCAA final four, finishing in 4th place. In his 15 appearances, his NCAA/AIAW tournament record is 38-16. The Lady Royals were Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Division III Team of the Year in 1985-1987-1993-1997. Mike was elected NCAA WBCA/Converse National Coach of the Year in 1985 and NCAA/Converse Regional Coach of the Year in 1987-1993-1997. He was MAC Coach of the Year in 1985-1990-1993-1997. He produced a total of 10 All-Americans. Mike also found time to coach men’s tennis at the University of Scranton from 1971-1980. He is a member of the University of Scranton’s Wall of Fame. Mike also functions as Associate Professor of Physical Education. Residing in Clarks Summit, he is married to the former Linda Kostige. They have two sons, Christopher and Scott.