Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University Athletics is saddened to announce the passing of former head men's basketball coach Roger Gaeckler. A significant figure in the history of the Pride men's basketball program, Coach Gaeckler guided Hofstra from 1972 to 1979 and helped lead the team to its first-ever NCAA Division I Tournament appearances. 

During his seven seasons at Hofstra, Coach Gaeckler compiled 84 victories and captured East Coast Conference titles and NCAA Tournament berths in the 1975-76 and 1976-77 seasons. 

His leadership laid important groundwork for the future success of Hofstra men's basketball.

Gaeckler and the entire 1975-76 men's basketball team were inducted into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.