During his eight years of coaching at Avila, where he started the college’s first athletic program, he never had a losing season.  Mark Hatchett, a member of his 1982 Avila basketball team, was named to the NAIA All-District team and was awarded honorable mention All-American honors.

Lynn Cupkie, the dean, said Mr. Waris was “…obviously a winner.  He was dedicated to the athletes, a dedication that exceeded the game.  He was concerned about the welfare of his players aside from their athletic involvement."