| Wins against Kentucky - 0 | Losses against Kentucky - 1 |
Alma Mater: Oregon [1929]
Date Born: January 3, 1907
Date Died: November 16, 1958
Overall Record: 69-20 [4 Seasons]
| Date | Matchup | UK Result | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/18/1948 | Kentucky vs. Columbia | W | 76 - 53 | NCAA Eastern Regional First Round (at New York, NY) |
Obituary - Columbia (University) Spectator (November 18, 1958)
Prof. Ridings, Former Coach, Dies at Age 51
CU Plans Rites to Honor Ex-Basketball Mentor
A memorial service for Gordon Howard Ridings, associate Professor of Physical education and former Columbia basketball coach, will be held at 4 p.m. tomorrow in St. Paul's Chapel. University Vice-President John A. Krout will be the principal speaker.
Mr. Ridings, who died Sunday at the age of 51, was varsity basketball coach from 1946 to 1952. During this period, he team won three Eastern Intercollegiate League championships and finished in second place twice, compiling a composite record of 94 wins and 22 losses, for a percentage of .810.
Coach Ridings was stricken by a heart attack four days before the beginning of the 1950-51 season. He was hospitalized for eight weeks and spent the remainder of the season convalescing at home. Assistant Coach Lou Rossini took over he coaching assignment and led the team during a 22-game winning streak.
Though he recovered completely, Mr. Ridings stepped down from his coaching position on medical advice because of the strain the post would entail. He restricted himself to teaching and administrative duties in the department, but remained as nominal coach of the team until 1952.
Was Star Athlete
Professor Ridings was a star athlete in high school and at the University of Oregon. He received a Master's degree in Physical Education from Columbia's Teacher College.
During World War II he helped organize the Naval Aviation Physical Training Program. In 1945 he coached the junior varsity basketball team at Columbia, compiling a 9-3 record, and was promoted to the varsity coaching post the next year.
