Oct. 15, 2014
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.
Coach 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.
View on Instagram
