Vivian Stringer sad to see her friend John Chaney retire
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) – The impact of John Chaney’s retirement as coach of Temple’s men’s basketball team was felt as far away as New Jersey. Rutgers women’s coach C. Vivian Stringer was saddened that one of her best friends had called it quits on Monday.
“I was aware a little bit,” Stringer said. “He mentioned that he might do this, but I had no idea that he was going to really do it.
“I’m just devastated. I feel like a real part of me is lost.”
Chaney and Stringer became friends early in their careers, when both coached at Cheyney University.
Chaney left for Temple, and Stringer went to Iowa and then Rutgers.
Along the way, both gained national recognition for their success.
Stringer credits Chaney for providing support and encouragement throughout her career.
“He’s the reason that I’m here today,” Stringer said.
Stringer’s allegiance to Chaney is so strong that several years ago she sat behind the Temple bench during a Rutgers men’s home game.
Stringer said she had spoken to Chaney before the Owls’ Atlantic 10 tournament game against Saint Joseph’s, and that her friend seemed a bit drained.
“I can’t imagine him not coaching. I just can’t imagine it,” Stringer said. “It really puts everything in perspective for me. I never saw that day coming.”