Daniel Lynch

Biography

Daniel Lynch graduated from St. Francis College in 1938, playing on the College's basketball team from 1934–1938 and becoming the team's Captain. He then went on to become the basketball head coach at his Alma Mater from 1948-1969. In 1964 he was appointed as the Athletic Director of St. Francis College, a post he held for eleven years, until 1975. One of Lynch's sons, Daniel Lynch Jr., also attended St. Francis College and is a graduate of the 1970 class.

St. Francis College

Lynch holds the St. Francis College record for most wins, during his tenure the Terriers had their best years. The greatest of which, was the 1955-56 season. The Terriers compiled a 21-4 record, were ranked as high as 13th nationally and upset Niagara University to reach the NIT semi-finals before they were defeated.

From 1949–1951 the Terriers participated in 4 National Catholic Invitational Tournaments (NCIT). The NCIT was a premier post-season tournament in those years. The Terriers went to the NCIT finals three consecutive times and won the Championship in 1951. Lynch's 1950–51 squad defeated the Seattle University Redhawks 93–79 in the Championship game. Ray Rudzinski scored 26 points, Vernon Stokes scored 22 and Roy Reardon scored 21 points in the NCIT Championship that took place in Albany, New York.

From 1951 to 56, Lynch guided the Terriers to 3 NIT appearances and 3 Conference Regular Season Championships. Lynch coached many great players like Al Innis and Jim Luisi and during his tenure had 7 players drafted by the NBA.