Watch CBS News

<em>College Basketball:</em> Historic Milestone for Philly U's Shirley

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It was a special night at the Gallagher Center on the campus of Philadelphia University on Wednesday night, as Lady Rams head coach Tom Shirley earned his 600th career coaching win, 76-60, over Chestnut Hill College.

The win had been a long time coming for Shirley, as his squad had lost three straight since he hit 599.

"Fourth time's a charm I guess," Shirley said after the game with a smile.  "I thought the kids played well once we adjusted in the second half.  I thought we attacked them a little bit more offensively.  I think there was a lot of pressure on them (his players), I think they were thinking about it (600).  I think now that it's over we can get back to business," he added.

Still, Shirley says he hasn't given a lot of thought to just how impressive a number like 600 really is.

"No, I haven't.  I just realized that I started when I was 26, and now I am 56 and I am getting a little bit older.  But I still enjoy it -- it's all about the kids.  You enjoy the players, past and present.  As long as I keep enjoying that I guess I'll keep doing it," he told KYW Newsradio.

Hear the entire interview in this CBS Philly SportsPod...

Shirley is the winningest active women's basketball coach in Philadelphia.  His team improved to 8-6 with the Wednesday night win.   Junior center Christine Wooding led the Rams with 20 points and eight rebounds in the historic victory.

Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.