A reflection on Cassidy's success

MEQUON, Wis. -- Head coach Shawn Cassidy became Concordia Wisconsin's all-time winningest Men's Basketball coach on Saturday, earning his 216th victory as the Falcons' mentor. During his time, the program has captured numerous memorable and significant victories, and dozens of players have graduated and became successful in their professional careers. Below is a look back at his success over the past 13-plus seasons.

Below is the reaction from some of Cassidy's alumni

Jake Jurss, '19
"Coach Cassidy is someone who loves Concordia University and Concordia Basketball. He always talked about how the basketball team was a family and he really means it. He cares for each and every member of the team, whether it was a player, manager, coach, etc. Coach Cassidy always demanded the very best from us and under his direction we were able to see many positive results. As a player, it was so great to know that our coach would hold us accountable and would do anything for us. He is always looking to help others and is a true Christian leader. Coach Cassidy will continue to have success because of the people he surrounds himself with and the hard work that he displays every day. He is a great Coach and a great person and I am honored to have been able to play for him for four years. Congratulations Coach!"

John Ulrich, '10
"As a coach, Coach Cassidy brought an aura of competitiveness to every practice and game that showed itself through the intensity of our play. His leadership turned us into a program that is competing for a conference championship every year. He had an incredible way of motivating his players in a loving and caring way. As a person, Coach Cassidy is an absolute class act. He's the type of coach that has your back both while you're a player and for decades after, as well. He is a great person and has been a role model for me. I've tried the best I can to be the type of coach and man he is; having an incredibly positive impact on the lives of players, family and the greater community. I'm forever thankful for Coach Cassidy and want to congratulate him on his well-earned success!"

Eric Kittel, '17
"From the very first time I met Coach Cassidy and still to this day, he has never failed to show his belief in me as a player and person. He has a deep passion for Concordia that is instilled in each one of his teams. I am grateful for the opportunity to have played for Coach Cassidy."

James Mitchell, '16
"My time playing for coach Cassidy was great. He challenged me to be not only a player, but also a leader. The game of basketball taught many lessons that I'm now able to apply to my life today. I'm thankful for the opportunity coach gave me and the support he's always shown me as a player and person since I've graduated from college and started my career. Thank you for giving me a chance when others would not. Congratulations coach!"

Below is a look at some of the significant victories during Cassidy's tenure

First Win
November 24, 2007 | vs. Bethany Lutheran | 88-78

It was Cassidy's third game at the helm of the Falcons and it was the second game of a two-day tournament. After back-to-back losses to start the year, they outscored the Vikings 53-44 in the second half to earn the 10-point victory. The win was important because it showed the defensive efforts of Cassidy's team, which forced 28 turnovers in the win. 

11th Win
January 26, 2008 | at Concordia Chicago | 87-67

As is the case every year, the Concordia Invitational Tournament has a meaning like none other to the Concordias playing, and Cassidy coached his team to the first of three CIT titles. The Falcons jumped out to a 14-point lead at the intermission and never looked back, as they drained 13 3-pointers. 

28th Win
November 15, 2009 | at UW-Parkside | 86-81 OT

The Falcons proved they could play with the 'big boys' and took down NCAA Division II opponent UW-Parkside on the road. They outscored the Rangers 11-6 in the extra period and received a noteworthy 23-point and 10-rebound performance by Tyler Granrath off the bench to begin the 2009-10 season with a victory. 

38th Win
January 30, 2010 | Concordia Nebraska | 91-73

After winning the first CIT title during his first year at the helm, Cassidy guided his team to the second CIT championship, but this time on their home court inside the R. John Buuck Field House. This victory was special because it was a collective effort with 13 players finding a way into the scoring column.

64th Win
February 19, 2011 | at Benedictine | 85-83

Everyone knew what was at stake when the Falcons traveled to Lisle, Illinois for the Saturday showdown against the Eagles. A victory would secure the first-ever undefeated regular season in NACC history and they accomplished that with 11 3-pointers and the single-digit victory. 

105th Game
March 4, 2011 | Luther | L, 61-68

Even though this game wasn't a victory, it was a huge step forward for the program, getting a chance to not only play in the NCAA Division III Tournament but also host the game. The Falcons led 57-56 with 2:24 to play in the game, but a late run by the Norse would end the most successful season during Cassidy's tenure with a 23-5 overall record. They were also ranked nationally for three weeks during the latter portions of the season and as high as 21st in the country. 

100th Win
January 29, 2013 | Edgewood | 67-50

Every win is special, but this one made it number 100 for Cassidy. His team didn't have much trouble with the Eagles, as they ran out to a 29-18 lead at halftime and cruised to the conference win. They held the Eagles to 32 percent shooting in the victory and had just one player score in double-figures. 

134th Win
February 28, 2015 | at Aurora | 73-71

Cassidy's 134th victory was special because it was the Falcons only NACC Tournament win during his tenure and it wasn't short of spectacular. Mark Scholz scored the game-winning layup with 29 seconds to play, but it came down to a last-second shot that stopped their hearts as the ball bounced off the rim twice and the backboard before missing as the horn sounded.

214th Game
March 6, 2015 | at No. 8 UW-Stevens Point | L, 56-88

It was the second time in Cassidy's eight years at the time the Falcons had advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament. They had just won their first NACC Tournament title, but the Pointers built a first-half lead the Falcons couldn't overcome. After starting the year 4-6, Concordia Wisconsin would end the year 15-4 after the turn of the calendar. 

150th Win
November 20, 2016 | Concordia Chicago | 127-80

The Falcons surely couldn't miss on this Saturday, as they drained 61.3 percent of their attempts en route to a program-record 127 points. They held an astounding 74-35 lead at halftime after shooting 79.4 percent in the first 20 minutes of play. Concordia Wisconsin made 17 3-pointers in the victory, which is still tied for the most in a game in program history.

157th Win
January 14, 2017 | No. 14 Benedictine | 83-80 

It was already scheduled to be a special day because of Mel's Charities and Ozaukee County Special Olympics were in the attendance, but the Falcons put the cherry on top by defeating the Eagles who were ranked 14th in the country. The victory snapped a 34-game NACC winning streak for Benedictine. 

196th Win
January 26, 2019 | at Concordia Ann Arbor | 84-62

Concordia Wisconsin captured its third Concordia Invitational Tournament title under Cassidy's direction, with a dominating victory. They shot 60 percent in the victory and drained 10 3-pointers In the two CIT games the Falcons were on fire, shooting 55.6 percent in the two games. 

200th Win
February 15, 2019 | Dominican | 81-66

The Falcons owned the first half against the Stars with a 13-point halftime cushion and cruised to the 15-point victory. The game was special for Cassidy as it was his 200th win, but also for Andrew Fratzke who scored his 1,000th career point.

216th Win
February 15, 2020 | at MSOE | 88-78

Head coach Shawn Cassidy became men's basketball all-time winningest coach with win 216 on Saturday. The 13th year leader surpassed William Ackman who had 215 career victories from 1928-29 to 1955-56. Concordia Wisconsin used a 19-8 scoring run over the final seven minutes to secure the win.