Moment of Decision for Tony Wingen
Tony Wingen felt it was the right moment to discuss a significant life change. Throughout his 35-year career as the head coach of the Carnegie Mellon men’s basketball team, he usually consulted his wife, Kris, about such major decisions.
Retirement Announcement
Wingen shared that Kris, who is ready to retire from her position at the Mt. Lebanon School District, readily agreed when he brought up the idea of retirement. “It was probably [three] weeks ago, in the week leading up to my knee surgery, while Kris was making dinner, I just said, ‘You know, I think it’s time.’ She looked at me and said, ‘OK, let’s retire,'” he recounted.
Later this month, Wingen’s retirement from Carnegie Mellon’s men’s basketball program was officially announced. During his tenure, he became the all-time winningest coach at the university with 390 victories, leading the team to three NCAA Division III tournament appearances and a University Athletic Association championship in the 2005-06 season.
Legacy and Impact
His successes also included five Eastern College Athletic Conference tournament appearances, and he was recognized as UAA Coach of the Year three times, as well as being named Great Lakes Coach of the Year in 2005-06. “Tony has had a profound and lasting impact on generations of student-athletes,” stated Josh Centor, the university’s associate vice president for student affairs and director of athletics.
Coaching Journey
Wingen’s coaching journey began as an assistant coach at both the women’s and men’s teams at Springfield College, where he was an undergraduate student. He later served as an assistant at Ivy League’s Brown University and the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
His former assistant coach, Colin Shaunnessey, praised Wingen’s character, stating, “Coach is a true gentleman on and off the court. He has been CMU basketball for 35 years, helping to grow not only the basketball program but the athletic department as a whole.”
Reflections and Future Plans
Wingen reflected fondly on his legacy, expressing pride in the players he coached, particularly the 1992-93 team. After announcing his retirement, he shared positive responses from family and former players alike. Wingen plans to focus on his family, including spending quality time with his grandchildren.
He emphasized the culture he fostered at Carnegie Mellon and expressed gratitude for his time there. Looking ahead, the university is in the process of finding his successor while Wingen remains on board until June to assist with the transition. “It’s meant the world,” he concluded, reflecting on his substantial career in Oakland.
