Transylvania University

Transylvania was the first stop in C.M. Newton's impressive 30-year coaching career. Fresh from the University of Kentucky, where he played for coaching legend Adolph Rupp, Newton endeared himself to Transylvania in 12 seasons here as men's basketball coach and athletics director.

His career coaching record at Transy was 176-165 and he led the Pioneers to their first ever post-season appearance in 1962-63.

He established himself as a coach who placed academics and honesty above all else. As he moved on to head coaching jobs at the University of Alabama and Vanderbilt University, Newton became known for his winning teams and his sterling reputation. He was the obvious choice when UK began its search for a new athletic director following a devastating NCAA basketball investigation.

In his acceptance speech, Newton credited Transylvania with giving his career a great beginning. It was at Transylvania that he came to appreciate the concept of the student-athlete, Newton said.