CUW mourns passing of Wayne Rasmussen

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia Wisconsin is saddened by the passing of former men's basketball head coach and Hall of Famer Rev. Wayne Rasmussen, as God called him to eternal life.

"Coach Rasmussen was an incredible man and will be greatly missed," men's basketball head coach Shawn Cassidy said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to Mrs. Marilyn Rasmussen and the entire Rasmussen family for their loss."

Rasmussen was twice the head coach for the men's basketball program (1983-84 to 1989-90 and again from 2005-06 to 2006-07), compiling a 126-108 career record. He returned the second time and mentored Cassidy before stepping aside for his protégé to take over.

"Speaking on behalf of everyone who has played for Coach, words cannot express our love for him and our appreciation for everything he did for us as players and even more importantly how much he cared for us as men. Coach had a personal goal of coaching 100 future coaches which he far surpassed. His coaching legacy will be felt for generations because of his impact on his players who are now filling that role."

Rasmussen was inducted into the Concordia Wisconsin William C. Ackmann Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. He was a graduate of Concordia College-Milwaukee and coached three teams to Lake Michigan Conference titles during his first stint as the Falcons leader. He was also selected as LMC Coach of the Year three times.

He was chosen Faculty Laureate at Concordia in 1990 and Sears Master Teacher in 1991. His education also includes a degree in Classical Languages from Concordia Senior College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, as well as a Master's degree from Concordia University-River Forest.