Richard Allen Parfitt (May 13, 1931 – September 6, 2021) was an American
college basketball coach. He was head coach for
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Established in 1892 as the Central Michigan Normal School and Business Institute, the private normal school became a state institution and renamed Cen ...
(CMU) from 1971 to 1985, during which time he led their move from the
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to
NCAA Division I.
Parfitt was born in
Gratiot County, Michigan and attended Central Michigan College, where he played basketball and
baseball for the Chippewas. Following his graduation in 1953, he became a teacher and high school basketball coach in
Laingsburg, Michigan, starting a prep coaching career that would last until 1962 when he returned to his alma mater as an assistant basketball and baseball coach.
In 1971 he was named head coach upon the resignation of
Ted Kjolhede
TED may refer to:
Economics and finance
* TED spread between U.S. Treasuries and Eurodollar
Education
* ''Türk Eğitim Derneği'', the Turkish Education Association
** TED Ankara College Foundation Schools, Turkey
** Transvaal Education Depart ...
. Parfitt served as
Central Michigan's head coach as the program transitioned from the NAIA to NCAA Division I status, joining the
Mid-American Conference (MAC) in the
1972–73 season. Parfitt quickly built a successful program, winning conference titles and earning the school's first two
NCAA tournament appearances in 1975 and 1977. In all, Parfitt served 14 seasons as the Chippewas' head coach, compiling a career record of 192–179.
Parfitt died on September 6, 2021, at age 90.
References
See also
Coaching record @ sports-reference.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Parfitt, Dick
1931 births
2021 deaths
American men's basketball coaches
American men's basketball players
Basketball coaches from Michigan
Basketball players from Michigan
Central Michigan Chippewas baseball coaches
Central Michigan Chippewas baseball players
Central Michigan Chippewas men's basketball coaches
Central Michigan Chippewas men's basketball players
College men's basketball head coaches in the United States
High school basketball coaches in Michigan
People from Gratiot County, Michigan