BELMONT, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey College and the Athletic Department are mourning the loss of one of its biggest sports heroes with the death of former coach and Hall of Fame member Dr. Michael Reidy on Friday morning.

Reidy served as tennis coach, swimming coach, Director of Intramurals and Athletic Director during his near 40-year association with The Abbey. He was inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame Class in 2008 and, in a surprise announcement at the end of the evening, had the Hall of Fame named in his honor in perpetuity.

"One of the most dedicated, charismatic, and beloved leaders in the long and illustrious history of Belmont Abbey College crossed over to his eternal reward this morning," Vice President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss said. "Best exemplified by the multiple generations of students and colleagues, of whom I am blessed to count myself as one, fortunate enough to have been formed, developed, mentored, taught, and coached by him - and his wonderful wife, Bonnie - Doctor, Director, Coach Michael ("Mike") Reidy's legacy lives on... rippling toward and upon numerous shores, emanating ever onward and upward.  Rest In Peace, Coach!"

Reidy came to Belmont Abbey College in 1969 and served as the men's tennis coach for 31 years. During his tenure as coach, he led his teams to six conference titles and seven national tournament appearances, including an NCAA Division II  Sweet 16 appearance in 2001. He earned conference Coach of the Year four times on the men's side and in 1999 when he was in the middle of his tenure leading the women's program. That same year, the Crusaders captured the Carolina-Virginia Athletics Conference women's tennis championship.

"Doc" also coached the swim team, headed the intramural department  and  served as Athletic Director. In 1988, Reidy was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Campbell, where he was a basketball standout for the Camels from 1960-64, scoring 1,610 points during his career and serving as the team's captain his final three seasons.

Reidy also a member of the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame (2002) and the Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame (2019). In 2013, Belmont Abbey renamed its tennis courts The Dr. Michael Reidy Tennis Center.

Reidy is survived by his wife, Bonnie.