Former UD Flyer Goodwin steps away from Capital job because of illness

Dayton men’s basketball great Damon Goodwin will take a leave of absence as head men’s basketball coach at Capital University, Capital announced Friday, as he begins treatment for hairy cell leukemia.

According to Capital, it’s a rare but highly-treatable cancer of the blood. His treatment will last several months. He’s expected to return to the program when he’s healthy.

Goodwin, a 6-6 forward from St. Mary’s, Ohio, scored 1,191 points in his UD career (1982-86). He started for Dayton’s Elite Eight team in 1984. He set the school record for consecutive free throws made with 36 over an eight-game span in the 1983-84 season. He was inducted into UD’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.

Goodwin started his head coaching career at Fairborn High School and then was an assistant coach at Wittenberg for five seasons. He has coached at Capital since 1994-95. He’s a six-time Ohio Athletic Conference coach of the Year.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with Damon and his family as they prepare to take on this challenge,” said Capital University Athletic Director Dr. Steve Bruning in a statement. “We send our best wishes and support the Goodwins in looking forward to a full recovery. Please join me in respecting the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”

Goodwin’s son Dane is a sophomore at Upper Arlington High School and verbally committed to play at Ohio State as a freshman.

Andy Winters, an Ohio Wesleyan graduate, will serve as interim coach for Capital, which plays Wittenberg in its season opener Nov. 14 in the NCAC/OAC Challenge in Westerville.

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