Seattle Pacific University Athletics

Winning basketball is the legacy of Les Habegger’s 19 years at Seattle Pacific.

Habegger arrived at SPC in 1955 to serve as an assistant to Dr. Ken Foreman. Two years later, Habegger became head basketball coach and athletic director. His court record includes 267 victories and six NCAA tournaments, including a trip to the 1965 Elite Eight.

Habegger brought a disciplined, exciting brand of basketball to the Pacific Northwest. He and his team bowed to no one – evidenced by the fearless Falcons’ upset of Seattle University to open the 1965-66 season at the Seattle Center Coliseum.

Two of his players – Loren Anderson and Howard Heppner – were inducted as Falcon Legends in 2003. Still, his squads were known more for their balance than for their star power. More than a hundred players came through Habegger’s program, but the teams all exhibited the same trademark hustle and hard-nosed defense. The coach always sought to exploit the opponent’s weakness, and his chargers eagerly executed those game plans to great success.

Following more than 20 years at Seattle Pacific, Habegger joined the Seattle SuperSonics, and was coach Lenny Wilkens’ assistant on the 1979 NBA championship team. Later, he served as the club’s general manager and player personnel director.

Finally, his magic touch was sought in Germany, where he was coach and later GM of Steiner-Bayreuth, a three-time pro league champion.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (1957-77)

• Established men's basketball as a regional power.

• Teams reached the NCAA Tournament six times, including 1965 West Regional championship.

• Career leader in victories, with record of 267-170.

• Three 20-win seasons.