University of Detroit Mercy Athletics

Calihan was a basketball player, head coach, athletic director and long-time friend around U-D serving each role with a high level of distinction. He came to the University in 1936 and in three years of varsity play, became the first Titans’ basketball All-American. He led U-D in scoring each season before taking on a successful professional career. Following graduation in 1940 and a professional career in the National Basketball League — with stops in Detroit, Chicago and Rochester — Calihan returned to U-D in 1948 as the Titans’ head coach. In 21 years at the helm, he compiled a 306-237 record, guiding his 1962 team to the NCAA Tournament and three others into the NIT. He also served 12 years as U-D’s athletic director, retiring in 1977. It is in his honor that the University’s Memorial Building was renamed “Calihan Hall” in 1977.