Cleveland State's Historic NCAA Coach Kevin Mackey Dies at 80
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Kevin Mackey, the legendary coach who led Cleveland State to a stunning NCAA upset over Indiana in 1986, has passed away at the age of 80. Mackey, who spent seven years at the helm of the Vikings, died of a sudden heart attack on Tuesday, according to his son, Brian. Mackey's college coaching career was marked by both triumph and tragedy. He began his tenure at Cleveland State in 1983, posting a 14-16 record in his first season. However, he went on to lead the team to six consecutive winning seasons and a remarkable 144-67 record over seven years. The 1985-86 season was one of the most memorable in school history, as the 14th-seeded Vikings pulled off a shocking 83-79 victory over No. 3 seed Indiana in the NCAA Tournament. The team's Cinderella story continued with a 75-69 win over No. 6 seed Saint Joseph's in the second round, before falling to No. 7 seed Navy in the Sweet 16. Tragically, Mackey's career was cut short in 1990 after he admitted to using crack cocaine. He was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated and subsequently enrolled in a rehabilitation program in Houston. After spending three months in treatment, Mackey went on to coach minor league basketball and work as a scout for the Indiana Pacers. Despite his personal struggles, Mackey remained grateful for the support of those who helped him turn his life around, including former NBA player John Lucas, who operated the treatment center where Mackey received treatment. 'He saved my life,' Mackey said in 1991. 'He's my best friend. His program is great.'
