Longtime Illini Assistant Coach Wayne McClain Passes Away
October 15, 2014 | Men's Basketball
URBANA, IL - Former Fighting Illini men's basketball assistant coach Wayne McClain died Wednesday at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, at the age of 59. McClain began his 11-year run on the Illinois coaching staff under Bill Self beginning with the 2001-02 season and remained on staff with Bruce Weber through the 2011-12 season.
McClain came to Illinois following a legendary seven-year career as head coach at Peoria Manual High School where he led the Rams to three-straight AA state championships in his first three years as coach. USA Today named his 1997 squad, led by future Illini Sergio McClain, Marcus Griffin and Frank Williams, National High School Champions, and the senior McClain was named National High School Coach of the Year.
The Rams had records of 32-2, 31-2 and 31-1 in his first three seasons as head coach, winning state titles each season. McClain also earned Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1995, '96 and '97. The Rams won Midstate Six Conference titles in each of his first five years as a head coach, while Manual also advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the AA state tournament in 1998 and 1999.
He began his high school career in 1977, serving as an assistant basketball coach to the legendary Dick Van Scyoc for 18 years until being named head coach in 1995. McClain helped the Rams to the first of four straight state titles in 1994. His teaching career included teaching high school physical education and as the Manual High School Dean of Students.
McClain returned to the high school ranks for the 2013-14 season as head coach at Champaign Central High School, and was about to begin his second season with the Maroons.
Wayne's son, Sergio, was a player on all four Manual state championship squads prior to his career at Illinois, where he helped the Illini to two Big Ten titles. While at Manual, McClain coached four future Illini players including Sergio, Jerry Hester, Marcus Griffin and Frank Williams.
McClain earned a bachelor's degree in education from Bradley in 1977 and a master's degree in physical education from Illinois State in 1982.
McClain has two children with his wife, Robin. His son, Sergio, was a four-year letter winner on the Illini basketball team from 1998-2001 and graduated from Illinois, while his daughter, Brindeshie, earned a bachelor's and master's degrees from the UI. McClain also has a grandson, Sergio, Jr.
#Illini Nation lost a great one. Wayne McClain was great coach & even better man. Our thoughts are w his family. #RIP pic.twitter.com/iIujPx282z
-- Illinois Basketball (@IlliniHoops) October 15, 2014
The Illini Basketball Family sends out our thoughts and prayers to the McClain family. #strength&peace
— John Groce (@JohnGroce) October 16, 2014Man life just isn't fair sometimes. My heart hurts to hear of Coach McClain passing away. What a great man he was. Thoughts and prayers #RIP
-- Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard11) October 15, 2014
Sad day for the Illini Family w/the passing of Wayne McClain. Great Coach, Father, Husband & much more! Blessed to have been coached by him!
-- Brandon Paul (@BP3) October 15, 2014
Quote this..Coach McClain use to treat me! Taught me so much about the game and about life THIS HURTS! I got LEGENDARY quotes from him!
-- Dee Brown (@deebrown11) October 15, 2014
My heart goes out to the McClain family and our state. We lost a great individual. I am grateful for the time I had with coach McClain.
— Roger Powell Jr (@RogerPowellJr) October 15, 2014
So saddened to hear about the passing of coach Wayne McClain. You will be greatly missed -- Rest in peace from the Illini family
-- Orange Krush (@Illini_OKrush) October 15, 2014
Condolences to Wayne McClain's family on his passing. Current @HoopinMaroons coach won 3 #IHSA titles at Manual pic.twitter.com/CfEID42Y6E
-- IHSA #IHSA (@IHSA_IL) October 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Wayne McClain through the years, #illini and @maroonathletics. http://t.co/73CpFgIYQB pic.twitter.com/laTrkq5Vja
-- News-Gazette Preps (@ngpreps) October 15, 2014
I'm saddened by the death of Wayne McClain. I don't know if I have ever been around a better man. Had such a huge heart & cared for so many.
— Bruce Weber (@coachbruceweber) October 16, 2014LoadingCoach McClain I want to say thank you for always pushing me to be the best. Since a kid I always look up to you. It was a blessing to be able to play for you and to work under you. Coach you have helped me become the man I am today. You push me to get my degree, to always be on time and make sure I prove people wrong who didn't believe in me. I can speak for all my teammates that you taught us how to fight through tough times and to compete in everything you do in life. You have been a father figure to so many people and you will be missed. The values you taught me on and off the court will live with me forever.
