A respected basketball player turned coach, John Lentz, took his last breath peacefully on Saturday evening, November 29, 2025, at the age of 73.
Lenoir-Rhyne University is heartbroken over the death of Coach John Lentz, the man who built the men’s basketball program into something special and held the record for most wins in school and South Atlantic Conference history.
Coach Lentz is survived by his wife Judi, a former seniro pickleball player, who he was married to for 49 years, their son Bryan, their daughter Michelle, and five grandchildren.
Judi broke her silence on his passing, sharing details about his funeral and memorial services.
Born in Willingboro, New Jersey, John came to Lenoir-Rhyne as a student in 1970.
He was a Bear through and through who played as a star point guard for the Bears from 1970 to 1974.
Coach John finished his playing days as the school’s all-time leader in assists with 524 and fifth in career points with 1,755.
Graduated in 1974, John, still holds the school record for most career assist with 524. Likewise, he also ranks fifth in all-time scoring with 1,755 points.
Even after graduation he stayed close to the game, and in 1986 he took over as head coach of the men’s team.
He stayed on the sideline for 29 seasons, from 1986 until 2015. He made the record winning 432 games i.e., more than any other coach in Lenoir-Rhyne and more than any coach in South Atlantic Conference history.
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Coach John’s teams won 12 South Atlantic Conference championships, reached the postseason 9 times, and made a run to the NAIA Elite Eight in 1993.
Along the way, he was named SAC Coach of the Year 5 times and coached four players who were named SAC Player of the Year.
In 2020, the university named the court in Shuford Arena after him.
The same year, Coach John was inducted into both the Lenoir-Rhyne Athletic Hall of Fame and the Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame.
The university invites all former players it has ever coached to return for the men’s basketball game against Mars Hill on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
A Celebration of Life open to the entire community will be held the next day, Sunday, December 21, at 2:00 p.m. inside Shuford Memorial Arena.
Everyone is asked to wear Lenoir-Rhyne gear or the school colors, i.e., red, black, and white.
Everyone is welcome to honor his Celebration of Life on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Shuford Memorial Arena.
During this challenging time, we pray for the strength of John’s wife, kids, grandchildren, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, John Lentz!
