The Golden Eagles men’s basketball team held a special tribute Nov. 29 for a former player taken far too young, as Clarion athletics joined with the friends and family of Rob Agurs for a pregame ceremony in Tippin Gymnasium.

Agurs was a star basketball player for the Golden Eagles from 2014 to 2016, leading the team back to the PSAC Tournament for the first time in many years as a senior on his way to earning all-conference honors. A beloved teammate, Agurs was known for his leadership on the court, as well as his infectious personality off it, and was recognized as a source of joy for his teammates and coaches.

Former Clarion standout Rob Agurs

Sadly, Agurs was killed in an automobile accident early in 2022. But rather than reflect on the circumstances that took Agurs away, those closest to him assembled in November to celebrate the life he lived and those he touched along the way.

“He was just an amazing young man,” said Marcess Williams, a former Golden Eagles men’s basketball coach from 2014 to 2019 and the person who coached Agurs at Penn State – Beaver before they both came to Clarion. “He was an amazing dad, an amazing brother, and an amazing son.

“Rob was the person that cared for everybody,” Williams said. “He had words of encouragement and was a leader by example. I think about him all the time. He’ll always be in my heart.”

Williams then presented Agurs’ daughter, Bella with a framed Clarion basketball jersey with her father’s number “3” and let her know that she would not have to face her challenges alone.

“Bella, I know you have some memories of your father, but … you’ve got about 100 brothers over here, ready to run for a wall for you,” Williams said. “If you ever need one, you just tell your mom, and this big brother will be there in a heartbeat.”