Frederick A. Schaus

Frederick Schaus was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1988 and was named CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 1993.

Born on June 30, 1925, in Newark, Ohio, Schaus played high school basketball in his hometown before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. During his service, he met former WVU basketball player Scotty Hamilton, who encouraged him to attend West Virginia University. From 1947 to 1949, Schaus became one of the University’s standout athletes. He was the first player in WVU history to score 1,000 career points and earned third team All-America honors in 1949. Known as “Fireball” for his on-court accomplishments, he also served as student body president during his time at the University.

Schaus earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from WVU in 1949. After graduating early, he began a professional basketball career with the Fort Wayne Pistons in the 1949–50 season. In his second year, he averaged 15.3 points per game and was selected to play in the first NBA All-Star Game. He later played for the New York Knicks before retiring from professional basketball at the end of the 1954 season. He completed his master’s degree in physical education at WVU in 1953.

Following his NBA career, Schaus returned to WVU as head men’s basketball coach. Over six seasons, he compiled a 146–37 record and led the team to six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including the national championship game in 1959. During his tenure, he coached two of WVU’s most celebrated players, Jerry West and Hot Rod Hundley.

After the 1960 season, Schaus left college coaching to lead the Los Angeles Lakers, reuniting with his former WVU star, Jerry West. He guided the Lakers to seven consecutive playoff appearances, including four Western Conference championships (1962, 1963, 1965, and 1966). In 1967, he transitioned to the Lakers’ front office as general manager and oversaw the rebuilding of the team, culminating in the 1972 NBA championship.

Following his tenure with the Lakers, Schaus joined Purdue University as head men’s basketball coach after being recruited by his longtime friend George King. He later returned to WVU to serve as Director of Athletics from 1981 until his retirement in 1989.

Schaus passed away in Morgantown, West Virginia, on February 10, 2010. He was 84.