Ritchie McKay led Liberty University to the NCAA Tournament with one of the best college basketball seasons in school history. Unfortunately, nobody outside of Lynchburg will remember the Flames’ 28 wins or their impressive run during the conference tournament.
The biggest storyline to come from Liberty’s blowout during the first round of March Madness was the head coach’s hairline.
McKay, 59, was born Indianapolis. He played college basketball at Seattle Pacific and began his coaching career at Washington in the late 80s. Portland State gave him his first opportunity to become a head coach in 1996. His career also features stops at Colorado State, Oregon State and New Mexico.
All of this goes to say that McKay is well-traveled. And he wins more than he loses! With a 437-292 record all-time, he has reached the NCAA Tournament five times. Four of them were at Liberty (even though one technically does not count because of the pandemic).
The Flames went 28-7 this season. They ran through the Conference USA tournament to set up a first round matchup with No. 5-seed Oregon as a 12-seed in March Madness. It was a blowout. The Ducks won 81-52.
Basketball was not the focus of the game. McKay’s hair went extremely viral.
I am not here to mock an almost 60-year-old man for a completely natural occurrence. I understand that he wants to hold onto his hairline for as long as possible and I do not blame him for trying.
With that being said, Ritchie McKay and his painted-on hair immediately became the primary topic of conversation on social media. It is a sight to behold.
McKay’s daughter, Ellie, saw all of the mockery and decided to respond.
Whatever you have to say about my dad’s hairline is fine but just so you’re aware, he is the most incredible man I know and has worked incredible hard to serve this calling God has placed on his life.
— @ellieamckay / X
She wants everybody to know that he is a great father and a great man.
I genuinely hope you all get to experience what it’s like to be fully known and loved by someone who’s humble, honorable, faithful, devoted, selfless and passionate. God knows me and my family have!
— @ellieamckay / X
She loves him very much.
I am probably too old to get caught up in the swing of what people say online, but I’ll never be too old to love my dad. The staff and team that has been a part of this season has truly been so incredible to watch.
— @ellieamckay / X
Ellie is extremely proud of her dad and how his team walks through faith and not by sight.
The way they’ve walked in their identity is something that will far surpass the scoreboard and statistics. I love you, Liberty basketball.
— @ellieamckay / X
It was an impressive season for Liberty basketball. The Flames won the third-most games in program history. Lynchburg loves Ritchie McKay. His hair does not define him!