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Richmond names court after first coach to win as a No. 15 seed

©2015 Scott K. Brown Photography, Inc.

©2015 Scott K. Brown Photography, Inc.

Scott K. Brown

Richmond announced on Monday that the basketball court at the Robins Center will be named after the program’s all-time winningest coach, Dick Tarrant.

“I can’t fully comprehend why so many wonderful things are happening to me -- 20 years after my retirement,” said Tarrant. “Coaches and athletes are normally soon forgotten at the conclusion of their careers. This tremendous tribute is often times reserved for Hall of Fame coaches such as Coach K, Lou Carnesecca and others. So, I am thankful to all those who were instrumental in this honor. I am flattered beyond words.”

Tarrant won 239 games in 12 seasons with the Spiders, owning a .779 winning percentage on the court that is now named after him. He led Richmond to the 1988 Sweet 16 and, in 1991, became the first coach to lead a No. 15 seed to an upset over a No. 2 seed when he spurred on a win over Syracuse.

“I am so excited for Coach Tarrant and for all of his former players and coaches,” head coach Chris Mooney said. “Their achievements are remarkable as they helped to establish Richmond Basketball as a nationally prominent program. I am forever grateful to be the coach of the Spiders – the same program that was coached by the great Dick Tarrant. Additionally, I would like to personally thank Coach Tarrant for his gracious reception of myself and my family: Congratulations Coach!”

This isn’t the only honor that’s been bestowed upon Tarrant. Richmond’s live spider mascot is named Tarrant the Tarantula.