Three Rivers College basketball coach Gene Bess, college basketball’s career wins leader, announced his retirement Saturday. Bess, 85, became the leader in 2001, surpassing Dean Smith of North Carolina and Richard Baldwin of Broome Community College. Son Brian, a longtime assistant, took over the top job at the junior college. He fought health problems the last few seasons. Bess was 1,300-416 in 50 seasons at Three Rivers — 143 more victories than NCAA Division I leader Mike Krzyzewski of Duke. Bess led the Raiders to national titles in 1979 and 1992. Coach Bess has always been a gentleman and class act. We wish him the best and happiness in his retirement.
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