Like many great figures who have stood the test of time throughout the course of history, John Kresse and Otto German ’73 will remain icons of the College’s rich history.
Kresse, the legendary head men’s basketball coach (pictured right), who led the Cougars to four NCAA Tournament appearances, a 1983 NAIA National Championship title and 560 wins during his 23-year coaching career from 1979 to 2002, retired last year after 40 years of service to the College of Charleston as head coach, administrator, fundraiser and program ambassador.
German also retired last year after 46 years of service at his alma mater and 50 overall, counting his four years as a men’s basketball letter-winner from 1970 to 1973. An all-conference selection in 1970, he was the second African American student-athlete to receive a full basketball scholarship at the College. Since 1992, German has overseen NCAA compliance in the athletics department, but served many different roles on campus, including assistant director of financial aid/veterans affairs from 1973 to 1976 and associate dean of admissions from 1986 to 1992.
“The College of Charleston is a better place because of the positive and profound legacy they leave behind,” says Director of Athletics Matt Roberts. “We will be forever grateful for the indelible impact they have made on CofC student-athletes, staff and alumni for the last 40-plus years.”
All the best courting retirement.
Featured photo Otto German and John Kresse (l-r) by Mike Ledford
