Obituary (Pocono Record)

EAST STROUDSBURG – Kenneth "Ken" Olin Sisson, who coached East Stroudsburg University's men's basketball program for 19 years and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004, passed away at the age of 87 on Tuesday morning.

Sisson died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family. Originally hired prior to the 1963-64 season, he ranks second all-time in team history with 215 career victories.

From 1970-73, Sisson guided the Warriors to consecutive records of 20-4, 20-4 and 23-4, the last of which stood as the most wins in program history until the 2009-10 squad finished 24-6. He also founded the Pocono Classic Tournament, which became an annual tradition on campus from 1964 through 2015. A total of 89 men's and 50 women's programs took part in the tournament throughout its 51-year history.

Sisson's 19-year coaching tenure is the longest of any ESU men's basketball coach, with current head coach Jeff Wilson entering his 17th season in 2018-19. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he was an associate professor of Health and Physical Education at ESU for 20 years.

After leaving ESU, Sisson worked as a professor of Physical Education, athletic director and men's basketball coach at Roberts Wesleyan College for 10 years. He was named the Rochester Area College Coach of the Year in 1994 after leading his team to a 22-win season. Sisson coached basketball for 40 years overall, including 10 at the high school level and one as an assistant at Lafayette College.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 411 Dewey Ave., Rochester, New York. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church in his memory.