Rock Hill, S.C. – Former Winthrop athletic director and head men's basketball Nield Gordon passed away Monday night at the age of 91.

A member of the Winthrop Athletics Hall of Fame, Gordon coached the men's basketball program from 1978-86 while also serving as director of athletic until the summer of 1985. Gordon helped start the men's basketball program and guided the team to 25 wins in the inaugural season. The team captured 31 wins in his third season as well as an NAIA District 6 playoff appearance. In his eight seasons he compiled a record of 160-100.

During his tenure at Winthrop he played a significant role in the planning and construction of the Winthrop Coliseum. He also led the department's transition from NAIA to the NCAA Division I level. The athletic department also started the baseball program, men's & women's cross country and men's golf while Gordon was the AD,

The accomplishments of Gordon go well beyond his time at Winthrop. Gordon was a standout basketball player at Furman and even served time in the United States Army before jumping into his coaching career. He had coaching stints at Belmont Abbey, Furman and Newberry College as well. In 1976-77 he was named the NAIA National Coach of the Year and led the Indians to NAIA National Tournament appearances in 1975, 1976 and 1977.

In addition to his induction to the Winthrop Athletics Hall of Fame, he is also a member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, Wingate Sports Hall of Fame, Furman Athletic Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame.

A Celebration of Life for Nield Gordon will be Wednesday, May 11, at 2 p.m. at Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Easley, S.C.