Ross Quackenush, pictured here with Joey Haywood, will be honoured tonight at the Tower.

It's the end of an era this Wednesday night, as SMU Huskies basketball bench boss

After 23 years on the Huskies bench, Ross is calling it a day. His Huskies have clinched a playoff spot, so Quackenbush will have one more chance at post-season glory, but this year's edition of the team is not a powerhouse. Losing top scorer Joey Haywood was a huge blow, and the team hasn't really found a replacement.

Quackenbush has had a great measure of success over the years as coach. In 1999, his Huskies, led by Jonah Taussig and Patrick Toulouse, won the National Championship. Quackenbush's SMU teams made nine CIS Championship tournament appearances, and 20 AUS playoff appearances. Ross was the 1989-90 and 1992-93 AUAA Coach of the Year, and was nominated for CIAU Coach of the Year in 1999. Quackenbush coached some outstanding players over the years, including Richard Sullivan, Will Njoku, who was a member of Canada's National Team, and was drafted into the NBA, and all-time single season AUS points leader Joey "King Handles" Haywood, who currently plays for the semi-pro Halifax Rainmen.

But Quackenbush is leaving on his own terms. His replacement will have some tough shoes to fill, as Ross was a likeable coach. He never really got animated on the sidelines, but always gave the impression he knew what he was doing. The man nicknamed "Quack" was good at what he did, and his 23 years on the job are evidence of that.

So, here's hoping the Tower will be packed with fans on Wednesday night, as SMU hosts "Fill the Gym for Quack" Night. As, the longtime coach rides off into the sunset, he deserves the respect of basketball fans from all over the HRM and beyond. Enjoy your retirement Ross, you've earned it.