Fred Schaus was a star basketball player at West Virginia University, becoming an All-American in 1949. He later played in the NBA before returning to WVU as head coach from 1954 to 1960, leading the team to great success, including a national title game in 1959. His 146-37 record is the best winning percentage in school history.

After WVU, Schaus coached the Los Angeles Lakers and worked with former WVU stars Jerry West and Rod Hundley. He returned to WVU as athletic director from 1981 to 1989, helping to build back the athletic program.