Former Norfolk State University men’s basketball coach Charles Christian, a Richmond native and Armstrong High School alumnus, will be posthumously enshrined into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame this November. Christian left a legendary mark on Spartan basketball and the region’s athletic landscape. 

Christian spent 14 seasons at the helm of the Spartans across two stints (1973-78, 1981-90). He remains the winningest men’s basketball coach in school history, compiling a remarkable career record of 319-95 (.770 winning percentage). 

Under his leadership, Norfolk State captured seven CIAA Tournament championships and recorded 11 seasons with at least 20 victories. His teams also earned three NCAA Division II regional championships, advancing to the national quarterfinals on each occasion. 

Christian’s excellence on the sidelines was recognized with four CIAA Coach of the Year honors. He was named one of the 12 coaching legends in CIAA history by ESPN.com and was previously inducted into the Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame and the NSU Athletics Foundation Sports Hall of Fame. 

The Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, located at Chartway Arena in Norfolk, honors athletes, coaches and contributors who have brought national recognition to the region through sports. The Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame dinner will take place on Nov. 19.