Jack Bruen

Jack Bruen (1949-1997)

Teams coached: Catholic University Cardinals, Colgate Raiders
Catholic U record^: 110-72 (.604)
Colgate record: 109-127 (.462)
Overall record^: 219-199 (.524)

Career Accomplishments:

Awards:

Coaching Career (head coach, unless noted):

1989-1997 Colgate
1982-1989 Catholic University

Jack Bruen Facts

  • John Francis Bruen
  • Born March 25, 1949
  • Died December 19, 1999
  • Hometown: New York City, New York
  • Alma Mater: The Catholic University of America (BA, 1972)
  • The NYC-native played alongside Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) at Power Memorial Academy (NY)
  • Spent four years at Catholic U in DC, playing for head coaches Bill Gardiner, Bob Reese and Dick Myer
  • Became an assistant coach at DeMatha Catholic HS (MD) under legendary head coach Morgan Wootten
  • After seven years there, Bruen became the head coach at Archbishop Carroll HS (DC)
    • Went 62-28 over three seasons at the private school
  • Hired to be the head coach at alma mater Catholic University in 1982, leading the Cardinals for seven years
    • Compiled a 110-72 overall record during his tenure at CUA
  • Left for Colgate in 1989 – his first Division I coaching role of any kind
    • Was 109-127 in 8+ seasons with the Raiders and is best remembered for his 1993-96 teams
  • Bruen was diagnosed with cancer prior to the start of the 1997-98 season and began chemotherapy treatment, but tragically passed away in December 1997 at just 48 years of age
    • Survived by his wife, Joan, and their two children, Joan and Danny

Jack Bruen Coaching Tree

 

^ overall record includes head coaching positions at both the NCAA Division I and Division III levels