Murray State University Athletics
Murray State Mourns Passing of Tony Cross
4/13/2017 11:49:00 AM | General, Women's Basketball
The Murray State Athletics community is saddened by the passing of former women's basketball assistant coach Tony Cross, who passed away Wednesday in Murray. Cross was 64.
"I'm saddened by the news of Tony's passing," said MSU Director of Athletics Allen Ward.
"Not only was he an outstanding coach, but he was an extraordinary friend and colleague. He was a mentor to everyone around him and touched the lives of so many. I'm thankful for the opportunity I had to work with Tony and for his service to our program. I extend to Lois and the family my sincerest thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"We are never prepared for the death of a dear friend or family member," said former MSU head women's basketball coach Rob Cross.
"Tony came to Murray State to work with me seven years ago after helping mentor me and becoming a great friend throughout the early development of my coaching career. His life was not about the wins and losses or championships he won. His life was more important than those things - his life was about serving others. He and his wife Lois made tremendous personal sacrifices to serve our student-athletes and staff members. His friendship and advice have meant more to me than anyone can imagine!"Â
"As we moved into this past season without him on the bench beside us we left the seat next to me open for him. That open seat was there not only to serve as a tribute and reminder that "TC" was with us, but also to remind each of us to cherish every second we have together. With the passing of Tony, I am reminded that death leaves a heartache that no one person can heal but love leaves a memory that no one can steal. My thoughts and prayers (as well as those of the rest of the Murray State family) are with Tony, his wife Lois and the rest of his family as they go through this difficult time," continued Cross.
One of the NCAA's winningest coaches, Tony Cross joined the Racers as an assistant coach in July 2010 after spending 26 years at the helm of the Belmont University women's basketball program. While at MSU, Cross remained active as an assistant coach up until this past season. During his time with the Racers, Cross was instrumental in player development, academics and recruiting.
While with the Bruins, Cross guided the team into a perennial power as a member of the NAIA and successfully transitioned the team to a winning tradition at the Division I level in the NCAA. He ended his tenure at Belmont with a 544-255 (.681) career record and was ranked 20th on the NCAA's winningest active coaches list (by win total) at the start of the 2009-10 campaign. In his 26 seasons with Belmont, the team recorded 23 consecutive seasons with at least a .500 record.
Cross began his coaching career at Norma Elementary School where he led the boys' and girls' basketball teams to a combined 72-18 record in three seasons. Cross then became the head girls' basketball coach at Lake City High School for the next four seasons, guiding the team to a 103-29 record. In his fourth season at Lake City, he was honored as the East Tennessee Coach of the Year after the team finished 35-1 and earned the No. 1 ranking in Class AA.
Later, Cross moved on to coach the Anderson City High School girls' team for one season. In 1983-84 he served as a graduate assistant for the legendary Pat Summit at the University of Tennessee before taking the head position at Belmont.
Tony Cross graduated from Belmont in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in business administration, while playing for the men's basketball team (1970-74). He earned a master's degree in elementary education from Tennessee in 1984.
"I'm saddened by the news of Tony's passing," said MSU Director of Athletics Allen Ward.
"Not only was he an outstanding coach, but he was an extraordinary friend and colleague. He was a mentor to everyone around him and touched the lives of so many. I'm thankful for the opportunity I had to work with Tony and for his service to our program. I extend to Lois and the family my sincerest thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"We are never prepared for the death of a dear friend or family member," said former MSU head women's basketball coach Rob Cross.
"Tony came to Murray State to work with me seven years ago after helping mentor me and becoming a great friend throughout the early development of my coaching career. His life was not about the wins and losses or championships he won. His life was more important than those things - his life was about serving others. He and his wife Lois made tremendous personal sacrifices to serve our student-athletes and staff members. His friendship and advice have meant more to me than anyone can imagine!"Â
"As we moved into this past season without him on the bench beside us we left the seat next to me open for him. That open seat was there not only to serve as a tribute and reminder that "TC" was with us, but also to remind each of us to cherish every second we have together. With the passing of Tony, I am reminded that death leaves a heartache that no one person can heal but love leaves a memory that no one can steal. My thoughts and prayers (as well as those of the rest of the Murray State family) are with Tony, his wife Lois and the rest of his family as they go through this difficult time," continued Cross.
One of the NCAA's winningest coaches, Tony Cross joined the Racers as an assistant coach in July 2010 after spending 26 years at the helm of the Belmont University women's basketball program. While at MSU, Cross remained active as an assistant coach up until this past season. During his time with the Racers, Cross was instrumental in player development, academics and recruiting.
While with the Bruins, Cross guided the team into a perennial power as a member of the NAIA and successfully transitioned the team to a winning tradition at the Division I level in the NCAA. He ended his tenure at Belmont with a 544-255 (.681) career record and was ranked 20th on the NCAA's winningest active coaches list (by win total) at the start of the 2009-10 campaign. In his 26 seasons with Belmont, the team recorded 23 consecutive seasons with at least a .500 record.
Cross began his coaching career at Norma Elementary School where he led the boys' and girls' basketball teams to a combined 72-18 record in three seasons. Cross then became the head girls' basketball coach at Lake City High School for the next four seasons, guiding the team to a 103-29 record. In his fourth season at Lake City, he was honored as the East Tennessee Coach of the Year after the team finished 35-1 and earned the No. 1 ranking in Class AA.
Later, Cross moved on to coach the Anderson City High School girls' team for one season. In 1983-84 he served as a graduate assistant for the legendary Pat Summit at the University of Tennessee before taking the head position at Belmont.
Tony Cross graduated from Belmont in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in business administration, while playing for the men's basketball team (1970-74). He earned a master's degree in elementary education from Tennessee in 1984.
Visitation will take place Saturday, April 22 from 1-3 p.m. at J.H. Churchill Funeral Home in Murray with a memorial service following at 3 p.m., in the chapel of the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home with Rev. Martin Severns officiating. The family would prefer expressions of sympathy be made to the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or Memorial Baptist Church, 906 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or the Humane Society of Calloway County, Po Box 764, Murray ,Kentucky 42071 or your local Animal Humane Society.
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