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Tom Penders
By Allyson Turner
Tom Penders arrived at George Washington University after 10 successful seasons at the University of Texas. During his tenure there, the Longhorns won 208 games, three conference titles and appeared in eight NCAA tournaments. Penders led the team to the Elite Eight in 1990 and the Sweet 16 in 1997 and 1998. Before Texas, Penders coached at Rhode Island. In his first season in 1986, the Rams were chosen to finish last in the Atlantic 10, but Penders coached them to a 20-10 record and an NIT appearance. The following season, the Rams advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 before losing by one point to Duke, which advanced to the Final Four. From 1978-1986, Penders coached Fordham University to a record five straight NIT appearances. From 1974-78 Penders coached at Columbia University and led the program to its first winning season in six years.
Penders attended the University of Connecticut and starred as a baseball center fielder and basketball point guard. He served as captain of both teams his senior year. Penders is one of a select group of athletes who has participated in both the NCAA basketball tournament (1965, 1967) and the College World Series (1965). Penders was named the 23rd coach at George Washington following the 1998 season, replacing Mike Jarvis.
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Tom Penders was never an assistant coach and starting his collegiate coaching career at Tufts, where he coached for three years.
(Allsport)
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It's your last meal, where and what do you eat?
What are you intimidated by?
If you could be a fly on the wall anywhere, where would it be?
What is your pet peeve?
If you weren't the basketball coach at George Washington, what profession would you have chosen?
What is one word or phrase that best describes your personality?
Name one of your superstitions.
If you could have anyone over your house for dinner, whom would you invite?
Who are you in awe of?
Who makes you laugh?
If I were to push "play" on your CD player, what would be playing?
What is a perfect day?
What is the best part of your life? Worst?
For each of the following sports figures, what is the first thought that comes to mind?
Seared yellow fin tuna at Sharon Stone's house.
My wife when I'm late for a social engagement.
George Steinbrenner's office after losing three games in a row.
I have no tolerance for people who are disloyal.
Professional baseball or broadcast journalism.
Reliable.
Lucky socks and ties.
Nelson Mandela or Bill Murray.
Red Auerbach.
Billy Connally (comedian from Wales) and Bill Murray.
I Wish It Would Rain by David Ruffin and the Temptations.
A typical work day at G.W. because I work with people that I like and trust in my administration and staff.