Canon Mac students remember former basketball coach killed in I-70 crash

CANONSBURG, Pa. — Student at Canon McMillan in Canonsburg remembered their former basketball coach on Monday after he was killed in a four-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 this past weekend.

Brian Anselmino was a former basketball star at Ringgold High School and was a standout in college, serving as Duquesne University’s captain. While he was memorable on the court and hard to forget at 6 feet 8 inches tall, it was Anselmino’s big heart that others remembered most on Monday.

“Larger than life, but also a teddy bear, he was a physically intimidating stature, but just a kind heart and a kind soul,” said Rick Bell, Canon McMillan’s current basketball coach.

Anselmino was killed Saturday afternoon after the driver of an SUV lost control and crossed the center line, crashing into Anselmino’s vehicle. Anselmino’s 13-year-old son was also in the vehicle. He was sent to a hospital, treated for a broken shoulder and released.

Anselmino and his son were on their way to meet with Anselmino’s wife, Denise, to watch his daughter play volleyball when the accident happened.

Bell said the day itself was already a difficult one for the family before the crash.

“Brian and Denise had a 2-year-old daughter who had passed away on the same exact date,” said Bell.The couple’s daughter had passed away on Feb. 22, eight years ago to the day.“I feel like I’m walking around in a bad dream hoping somebody is going to wake me up,” said Bell.

Bell said he coached on and off with Anselmino for years, who he described as the type of coach kids looked up to.

“So many people have reached out the last few days. They knew we coached together and became great friends. Just how much they respected him, admired him and how sorry everybody is,” said Bell.

State police are still investigating the crash.

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