On Wednesday, January 6, 2010, Drexel University dedicated its new basketball court to Sam Cozen, honoring the legacy of the Dragon's longtime coach. Cozen coached Drexel's men's team from 1952-1968, and led the team to 11 Middle Athletic Conference championships and 4 NCAA tournament appearances.
The winningest coach in school history, Cozen's Dragons compiled a 213-94 season during his illustrious career. A pillar of Philadelphia basketball, Cozen started his career at Thomas Jr. High School, Vare Jr. High, where he coached a young Wilt Chamberlin, and Overbrook High School, where he won five City Championships.
After his tenure at Drexel, Cozen went to work for his son, Steve Cozen, whose law firm was in its infancy. Today, the law firm of Cozen O'Connor is one of the largest firms in the country with more than 550 lawyers in 26 offices.
“Mr. Cozen was a critical member of our firm in its early years. His leadership skills, developed through his time on the court, proved an invaluable asset to our young firm,” said Joe Gerber, one of the firm's first lawyers. “As our office manager, he also served as a mentor and coach. He cast a large shadow and helped lead the firm through a decade of success.”
“My dad was a brilliant tactician, fierce competitor and, most importantly, a loving father,” said Steve Cozen. “He taught me to give back -- that it is our duty to dedicate our time and creative energy to our community." Steve and his sister, Ellen Scarcelle, started a foundation in their father's name that has funded various organizations helping Philadelphia youth, including longtime support for the Police Athletic League (PAL). “I can’t think of a better way to honor my father than giving back to Drexel and the athletic program he called home for 16 years.”
The court is part of the John A. Daskalakis Athletic Center, which hosts the Drexel basketball programs as well as Drexel's intramural and intercollegiate athletic programs. As a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, Drexel University competes at the NCAA Division I level in 16 varsity sports.
“Steve Cozen's generous investment into Drexel University athletics provides our Division I men's and women's basketball programs with a state-of-the-art playing surface. In addition, the Sam Cozen Court also celebrates, in the most appropriate way, the Cozen legacy at Drexel as well as its place in the rich history of Philadelphia basketball. We are inspired by the gift and honored to have our home court bear the Cozen name,” said athletic director Dr. Eric Zillmer.
Among his many honors, Cozen has been inducted into the Drexel Athletic Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Jewish Sports of Fame, Small College Basketball Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
The new court was made possible by a generous grant from Sandy and Steve Cozen, Ellen and Tony Scarcelle, and the Cozen Family.