Retired Waynesburg University men’s basketball coach and director of athletics Rudy Marisa passed away Tuesday night. Marisa led the Yellow Jackets for 34 years including a decade of national prominence in the 1980’s. “Coach Marisa’s legacy of leadership and selfless contribution to Waynesburg University and the surrounding community will forever be an example to others that follow,” said Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee. “Mrs. Lee and I extend our deepest condolences to his beloved family.” Taking over as the team’s head coach in 1969, Coach Marisa guided the Yellow Jackets to 565 wins and built the program into an NAIA powerhouse. Marisa retired following the 2002-2003 season. In October 1999, following win #500, the University named its new gym the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse. The Board of Trustees granted Marisa “Coach Emeritus” status in 2012. Nine years later, “Rudy’s Place” opened on campus, a gathering space for students provided through the generosity of a former player as a tribute to his former coach. (Photo courtesy of Waynesburg University Athletics Department)