ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany Department of Athletics mourns the loss of legendary coach, Richard "Doc" Sauers, who passed away on Monday. He was 96. In a career that spanned more than 60 years for the Purple and Gold, Sauers served many roles within the athletics department, most notably as men's basketball head coach for 41 seasons.
 
"Doc Sauers impacted generations of student-athletes, staff and members of the UAlbany community," said Director of Athletics Mark Benson. "He embodied what it means to be a Great Dane - committed, compassionate and deeply invested in the success and well-being of others. Doc built lasting relationships across our program and helped shape the culture of UAlbany athletics in meaningful ways. His legacy will be felt for years to come, and he will be missed tremendously."
 
Sauers began his career with the university in 1955 as the head coach of the New York State College for Teachers Pedagogues men's basketball program, which eventually transitioned to the University at Albany Great Danes in 1965. He spent 41 seasons as head coach, collecting 702 wins and a 68% winning percentage, both of which are program bests.
 
During his career, Doc experienced the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics as he guided his teams through NAIA, NCAA Division III and NCAA Division II play. His teams made 11 NCAA Division III tournament appearances, reaching the Regional Finals in 1977, 1980 and 1994. In 41 seasons at the helm, Doc only experienced one sub .500 season when the Great Danes made the move from Division III to Division II ahead of the 1995-96 season.
 
"When you think about embodying class, leadership, and a deep care and passion for impacting young people, you think of Doc Sauers," said current head men's basketball coach, Dwayne Killings. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to every player and coach that were impacted and inspired by Doc. UAlbany is better for his decades of loyalty and dedication, and for that we are forever grateful."

In addition to his time as men's basketball head coach, Sauers served as men's and women's golf coach from 1997 until 2012, where he led the Great Danes through the transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I and was named America East Coach of the Year in 2010. Following his retirement from coaching, Doc stayed on as a special assistant to the athletics director.
 
Sauers was named to the Basketball Coaches Association of New York's Hall of fame in 1992. He was officially inducted into the UAlbany Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 and is also a member of the Capital District Sports and the Slippery Rock University halls of fame.
Beyond the accolades and the win-loss columns, Doc's philosophy was perhaps best captured in his most famous mantra: "We Go, Not Ego." It was a simple phrase that defined his approach to both sport and life, emphasizing the power of the collective over the individual. To this day, the message remains a cornerstone of the program, prominently displayed for every fan to see as they walk into Broadview Center on campus.
 
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