Wayne McClain is in his sixth year with the Fighting Illini coaching staff after a legendary prep career at Peoria Manual High School. He came to Illinois following an illustrious seven-year career as head coach at Manual where he led the Rams to three-straight AA state championships in his first three years as coach. USA Today named his 1997 squad, led by future Illini Sergio McClain, Marcus Griffin and Frank Williams, National High School Champions, and the senior McClain was named National High School Coach of the Year.

The Rams had records of 32-2, 31-2 and 31-1 in his first three seasons as head coach, winning state titles each season. McClain also earned Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1995, '96 and '97. The Rams won Midstate Six Conference titles in each of his first five years as head coach, while Manual also advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the AA state tournament in 1998 and 1999.

He began his high school career in 1977, serving as an assistant basketball coach to the legendary Dick Van Scyoc for 18 years until being named head coach in 1995. McClain helped the Rams to the first of four straight state titles in 1994. His teaching career includes teaching at the sixth grade level, teaching high school physical education and as the Manual High School Dean of Students.

Wayne's son, Sergio, was a player on all four Manual state championship squads prior to his career at Illinois, where he helped the Illini to two Big Ten titles. While at Manual, McClain coached four future Illini players including Jerry Hester, Marcus Griffin, his son, Sergio, and Frank Williams.

"Wayne has given us continuity in the program and is a person who is known and respected throughout the state of Illinois because of his program at Manual," Weber said. "Add to the fact that both his son and daughter attended the university and it shows he has great pride in Illinois."

McClain earned a master's degree in physical education at Illinois State University in 1982 while teaching at Manual.

McClain has two children. His son, Sergio, competed four years as a student-athlete on the UI men's basketball team from 1998-2001 and graduated from Illinois, and his daughter, Brindeshie, also graduated from the U of I.