Wednesday’s 70-50 victory over Lindenwood at the Legget & Platt Athletic Center gave Head Coach Robert Corn yet another mark in the Missouri Southern record book.  As he collected his 400^th career victory (400-301) only further establishing his rank of fourth all time on the MIAA all-time wins list. 

For the 2013-2014 Lions the win was just that, another victory for a team parked atop the ranks of the MIAA in a year that has already been determined as Corns last. 

Retirement was a decision announced earlier this year that could have easily affected a talented team in a positive or negative manner, but in just another example of his coaching prowess Corn seems to have made sure that it would not be a distraction.  A fact not lost on another Lion head coach.

“I’m just tickled to death for him,” said women’s Head Coach Ronda Hubbard.  “Aside from his coaching he is a special friend and a confidant and a mentor … I’m just happy to see him going out with such style”

Throughout his travels in the collegiate ranks as a coach, Corn has been a man in a position of success, but that success paired with the length of his tenure as Lions head coach has made this time special.

Veins bulge from the forehead and neck to complement the graveled voice that rings across the hardwood.   A symbol of the passion Corn brings to the table as a coach.  Something he has relied on over the years and a trait the man instils in his team as the Lions fight tooth and nail on every possession.

With 20 MIAA Tournament appearances, the last 15 in a row, in his 25 years here at his alma mater Corn has managed to do the unimaginable.  He walk off the court nightly as one of the best players and the best coach this university has ever known.

Still if one did not know the accolades of Corn, the information may never heard from the horse’s mouth. 

“I’m more excited about the guys who have played in our program and what they are doing out in their communities, what type of husband they are, what type of father they are,” said Corn.  “Those are the type of things that are much more important than a number in a career.”

In the end it seems a coach of his stature can simply let his three MIAA Coach of the Year awards do the talking.