Remembering Skip Prosser
From those who knew him when he was just starting out in West Virginia; to fans at Xavier; to Wake Forest students and alumni; even to Tar Heels and Hookies: Skip Prosser touched countless lives.
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August 01, 2007 - 09:08 PM
Skip epitomized what it is to be a Demon Deacon. I remember on various occasions seeing Skip in passing on campus, in the Pit at lunch, or talking with him before a game. It didn't matter to him what else was going on, even a game against UNC or Duke that was to tip off in 30 minutes, he would take time out to acknowledge everyone. Be it to say hi, to thank the students for coming out to support the team, he never put himself on a pedestal. God bless you Skip and I will miss you.
— Steven Elliott '04
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August 01, 2007 - 08:30 PM
I AM A BLUEDEVIL AT HEART BUT AM SADDENED TO SEE THE LOSS OF SUCH A GREAT GUY. I LOVED WATCHING PROSSER COACH HIS TEAM. HE WAS COMMITED TO HIS TEAM AND LIFE AS WELL. HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY THOSE WHO KNEW HIM AND THE ACC FAMILY. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY
— S STROOP
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August 01, 2007 - 06:10 PM
my name is derek i just moved from clemmons to indiana at the age of 18...i have been a wake fan my whole life something my dad passed down to me..i bleed black and gold in any sport even though my sister is a senior at tennessee. prosser was a man who no mattter what did what he wanted to do..through all the critics he was one who never backed down..always exciting to watch no matter how good or how bad the Deacs have been since 01. he will be missed i miss him and didnt know him on a personal level all though i met him numerous times..my personal opinion is they should retire something in his honor before the first game this year.. but all i know is it want be the same and Skip man I love you and and 2 things, dont stop running, and keep up the press...i love you and this is Gods plan to get a greate man.
— Derek Bodford, Indiana
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August 01, 2007 - 02:44 PM
I was saddened to learn of Coach Prosser's passing while aboard a cruise ship in Alaskan waters. It is a testament to the impact of his life on so many that his death was included in the Friday, July 27 8 page Times Digest of the New York Times given to passengers. Even to a graduate and fan of rival UNC, Coach Prosser's competence and graciousness were readily apparent. My condolences to his wife, sons and the entire Deacon family.
— Richard Harper
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August 01, 2007 - 02:29 PM
We were heartbroken to learn of the passing of Skip Prosser. The vision, energy, and leadership he shared, changed Wake Forest forever. I was truly blessed to be creatively challenged and experience his passion.
Skip’s expectation to be #1 in everything is something I learned immediately…..He cared so much about every detail. I heard him say often “Show me a good looser and I’ll show you a looser”. Anything less than striving to be #1 by everyone in every facet was unacceptable. I carry his teachings today and will for my entire career. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Wake Forest family.
— Dan and Samantha Hauser
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August 01, 2007 - 02:18 PM
Been a devoted Wake fan since attending my first game over 40 years ago, and I remember the atmosphere of the old coliseum - no enthusiasm, little standing and cheering, and usually just as many fans for our opponent as for the Deacons. Even so, I dearly loved going to Wake games and my family and I have cheered for Wake Forest all these years, even when they had terrible records - they were still our Deacs! When Skip Prosser came to Winston-Salem, he helped make Wake Forest basketball games at the Joel what I always dreamed they could be. I can hardly attend a game now without shedding a tear of gratitude for the difference Skip has made. I already loved Skip for the great changes in the games, and the school spirit he helped bring back, and now, reading all the glowing tributes and heartfelt words, I find out what a magnificent human being we had in our midst. I'm so thankful that Skip saw in Wake Forest what we long-time fans have always seen, and decided to make it his home, even if his stay was much too brief.
May God be with the entire Prosser family, and comfort all those close to him who are hurting right now.
— Wake mom '06
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August 01, 2007 - 02:12 PM
There are no words that can express my grief for the loss of such a good man. I first met Skip when I interviewed for the Basketball Secretary position at XU. I was scared to death but once he started talking, he helped me calm down by telling a joke or two and I got the job.
At that time, I was a single mom going to school and working full time for Skip. The pay wasn’t that great so I had to take on a second job. I remember Skip coming to my second job and begging me to quit because he needed someone that could work more than a 9 to 5. I told him that I would be happy to but I had to support my daughter. Within a week, he got me a pay increase! I worked for him 7 days a week with no complaints and that was the best job I ever had. I learned so much from him, especially humility. He was a good man and I can’t believe he’s gone. I’ll miss you dearly Skip.
— T. Daniels
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August 01, 2007 - 02:07 PM
I am a Tar Heel but admired the way Coach Prosser coached his teams and competed. He was an asset to WFU and the ACC and he will be missed by all who follow ACC basketball!
— John in Dallas
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August 01, 2007 - 01:59 PM
I grew up in North Carolina and attended UNC -- so I'm Carolina blue through and through. My knowledge of Coach Prosser was only from watching him on the sidelines as we played Wake.
However, now that I have read all of the many comments about him (some of them bringing tears to my eyes), I feel as though I now know him as a person. What an outstanding human being he was! My sympathies to his family and the entire Wake Forest Family.
— Mimi from Roswell, Georgia
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August 01, 2007 - 01:01 PM
When Skip coached Xavier, I caught an occasional interview of him on TV. I thought he sounded more like a professor, minister, or philosopher than a coach. Little did I know that he had taught and foremost considered himself an educator. It showed. I was delighted when he took the Wake job, though I knew my Heels would be in trouble. Over the years, I could get mad at Stormin' Norman, Ol' Lefty, or Coach K, but Skip never ired me. He was just too decent, gracious (in victory or defeat), intellectual, and funny. His too-soon departure leaves a gaping hole in so many spheres of influence. I'll miss him as an ACC fan. My deepest sympathy to the Prosser and Wake Forest families.
— Chris Harrington
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August 01, 2007 - 12:56 PM
I have loved WF basketball for all my life and consider myself lucky to have attended Wake during most of Prosser's reign. Among my my foundest memories are basketball games especially those of the 2003 and 2004 seasons that often went into hard fought overtimes. I have been unable to put into words my feelings about Coach Prosser's passing since last week but have spent hours on the phone with family members and friends sharing each others' grief. I have never been more proud to be a part of the demon deacon family than in these last few days because of the outpouring of respect, adoration, and communal greiving that has taken place. I look forward to returning to winston and feeling the pride in our team that Coach Prosser instilled in all of us.
— Shelley Graves class of '06
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August 01, 2007 - 12:54 PM
Coach Prosser revamped and revitalized the Wake Forest basketball program. For those of us in my class (2001), we experienced the sorry post-Duncan pre-Odom-departure years of many losses and no real championship runs.
Then came Skip. In addition to being an outgoing, vocal, and entirely likeable guy, he completely changed the fan experience at LJVM. The student section was moved to the endzone, where the students could actually have an impact on the opposing team during the second half. The section was tripled in size, much to the dismay of the millionnaires who were relocated farther away. The music played during timeouts was updated and the volume was turned up. The lights went off during player introductions, and the Demon Deacon began making grand entrances on a motorcycle. The tie-die nation was born.
Thank you, Skip, for taking our little school to the next level. We went from waking the neighbors when I was a freshman to waking the nation. Thank you for the NIT championships, the NCAA appearances, the faster tempo, and the national recognition. You will be missed.
— Kasey Wagner
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August 01, 2007 - 12:14 PM
I'll never forget attending the preseason NIT in New York a few years ago. After we beat Arizona for the championship, we went outside Madison Square Garden to wait for the team and give the players a big cheer.
At some point, the Arizona coach (can't think of his name, he has white hair) came out with his security detail, empty-handed and headed toward a waiting limousine.
A little while later, here comes Skip, carrying his own bags, the trophy. He gave a gracious greeting to those of us gathered, and then got on the bus with his team!
The memorial service was wonderful last night, and after hearing Chris Paul and reflecting on the spirit of Skip, I'm on record now for forgiving Chris for leaving us early.
Coach, thanks for everything you did for Wake Forest, and more importantly, thanks for how you lived your life.
Sincere condolences to Nancy, Mark, Scott and "Grandma Jo."
— Susan Bray, Class of \'83
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August 01, 2007 - 11:54 AM
Coach Prosser was a beloved teacher and coach at CCHS. In the classroom he brought history alive for us, once even dressing as Julius Caesar on Famous People Spirit Day! On the basketball court he gave us some of the greatest memories of our high school years. In those days, I would occasionally babysit Mark and Scott. A young coach and father, he outwardly showered love and affection on his boys, even around his students and players. His example as teacher, coach and parent was not lost on this impressionable teenager! I've dropped Coach a note now and then over the years, just to let him know that I was rooting for him. In 2005 my son and husband attended his father-son camp. Skip went out of his way to spend time with them and even sent them home with a video message for me. Skip was my hero and I've realized over the past few days that while I was very proud to know him, I've been doing my best for the past 28 years to make him proud of me. I'm going to keep on trying Coach!
— Nancy Schreyer, CCHS '83, Cranberry, PA
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August 01, 2007 - 11:44 AM
I am deeply saddened to hear of Skip's death. My father died the same way 3 years ago at the same age of Skip (56). As a Carolina & ACC fan, I loved to watch Skip on the sidelines. He had a passion for the game and the kids that he coached. I respected and admired him so much, because everything he did on and off the court was done with class. My heart and prayers are with the Prosser family, the Wake Forest community, and the WF fans. He will be missed.
— J. Brown, '95 WKU Grad, Carolina Fan
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August 01, 2007 - 11:37 AM
The last time I spoke with Skip, we did not even mention basketball. We talked about our shared love for the timeless western 'Shane" . Skip knew every little detail of the story and how it all related to life and how people should live their life. I now feel like Joey, alone on the plains of Montana screaming for Skip to "come Back", but just as Shane , Skip has bigger and better things ahead in Heaven.
I grew up in Winston, but a Tarheel fan through and through, but knowing Skip and watching what he did for basketball at Wake turned me into a Wake fan... all the way. I remember standing and cheering loudly when Wake was beating UNC in the Joel a couple of years ago, thinking to my self what my dad would think if he was still alive and could see me pulling against his beloved Tarheels. I would always tell friends about my ceasura..... Roy Williams doesn't know my name, but Skip did and he never failed to say hello when we were in the same room.
Ron Wellman says that we will al be Ok and I have to believe and trust him. He found Skip and was responsible for getting and keeping him here in Winston. I will be fine but I will alwaysmiss Skip but treasure all my memories of him. Thanks Skip.
— Jim Conrad
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August 01, 2007 - 11:29 AM
The news of Coach's passing hit my family hard, but especially my oldest son. My son loves Wake Forest basketball and he idolized Chris Paul, Justin Gray, and all the rest. He especially looked up to Coach. I loved the fact that he chose these players and their coach as heroes because they are all gentlemen of character and compassion. Coach will be missed by all who came into contact with him. Though he has gone, his kindness towards kids like my son, the character and class he showed constantly, and the good works he did will live on. God bless.
— Todd Martin
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August 01, 2007 - 11:06 AM
At the Final Four in Atlanta in 2002, even though we were wearing our Maryland colors, we met Coach Prosser and his wife. He could not have been nicer as we discussed his time coaching and living in Maryland and how much he enjoyed being there. Our impressions were spot-on...Coach was a great man and an outstanding coach. God Bless his family.
— Marty Nicholson
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August 01, 2007 - 10:52 AM
To most wake fans how it is done is more important than what is done. Thanks skip for being a true Deacon.
— Tom Hogan '60
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August 01, 2007 - 10:39 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with the Prosser family as well as all of the WFU family and fans. We have suffered a tremendous loss. I was fortunate enough to have several encounters with Skip about town and at Deacon functions over the last 6 years. As he did with everyone, Skip would make a point to say hello and ask how it was going with a great smile. He was always so nice – even after having seen me in the stands “coaching” from the sidelines. He appreciated my passion (I say with a smile) for the Deacs and always thanked me for my support. Loving Deacon basketball as I do, my encounters with Prosser would inevitably be the highlight of that day. Never had I met a Coach so approachable and so genuinely interested in what you had to say. I think it was best said in the service last night, “Skip treated everyone as an equal”. I will miss seeing him on the court and in the community. He was not only an incredible coach, but an incredible human being. His integrity, compassion, and character were above reproach. Skip, you will truly be missed! Allow me to say to you one last time… “GO DEACS!” You forever changed us and we are grateful. God Bless You and may you rest in peace.
Vickie Slaydon, Winston Salem
— Vickie Slaydon
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August 01, 2007 - 10:18 AM
Great coach and great for the game.
— St. John's Fan - Long Island, NY
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August 01, 2007 - 10:09 AM
I have been a fan of Wake Forest basketball since I moved here in 8th grade. I remember the year that Skip was coming to be the new head coach and my dad told me that he was bringing a faster, more aggressive game to the court. I was impressed by the change in the way the game was played that year and how much more excitement there was in the stadium each year that he continued to be coach. Now I am about to be a senior at Wake Forest and I finally had the chance to say hi to Skip earlier this summer walking around campus. I won't forget that moment. RIP.
— Shelley
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August 01, 2007 - 06:57 AM
I remember seeing him a few times while I was playing basketball in US. He made a great impression on me and I will never forget his energy and determination that he was giving to everyone surrounding him! God Bless!
— Daria from Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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August 01, 2007 - 01:58 AM
I've been reading the comments about Coach Prosser for several days and am struck about how consistent they are in affirming his love and concern for all people with whom he had contact. Those people are now expressing the same love and concern, as I am, for the way he conducted his life and for his wife, family and friends. Their comments reflect the fact that "wins" on the court are far less important than "wins" in helping other persons achieve their goals or overcome personal obstacles and "wins" in competing at the highest level in a sportsmanlike and mutually respectful manner. Whoever succeeds Coach Prosser will face a high bar indeed.
— Paul Turner, Wake '64, Las Vegas, NV
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August 01, 2007 - 01:42 AM
Coach Prosser spoke at a coaches basketball clinic that I attended.His love of basketball and life are what I remember.WFU thank you for having Coach Prosser's basketball camp go on this week so that the future generation will remember him.
— Ed Lubinsky
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August 01, 2007 - 12:29 AM
RIP SKIP
Truly a great man
— Jed Darden
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July 31, 2007 - 10:33 PM
I always watched the basketball games and football games and every game there is to know wabout wake forest. I would always watch the basketball games though no matter what. Evan if we were down by forty points or one point. It doesn't matter to me. If the game wasn't televised me and my family would go out and listen to it on the radio. Skip Prosser was the greatest coach ever. He would keep going at his team even if they had the lead. Skip Prosser is a true coach. If a player was great he would make them excellent. Skip Prosser would never let the word bad into his program. REST IN PEACE COACH SKIP PROSSER.
— Scotty Gustafson
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July 31, 2007 - 10:25 PM
It's hard to believe our dear Skippy is gone-but I like to think of it this way: Heaven has another angel in its ranks!!! I will ALWAYS remember his buying pizza for camping, ticket-crazed fans, as well as celebrating victories on the freshly toilet-papered Quad with the student body. Now that's an individual who truly loves his community! Wake is a special place, and we always saw that he believed that...he will surely be missed! Skippy, your family is in my prayers indeed. We hope they know that whenever we think of basketball and anything epitomizing old gold and black, we'll think of you!!! Godspeed.
— April L. Wilson, '03
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July 31, 2007 - 10:15 PM
Life is way to short! Coach Proesser made his short time well remembered leading a great basketball team with great honor!
— Brad Harper
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July 31, 2007 - 10:15 PM
The thoughts and prayers of the Wake Forest family are with the Prosser family. Thank you for sharing Skip with us. He will not be forgotten.
— Stephen Enns WFU '83
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