Men's Basketball's Westerlund named NCCAA DII Coach of Year

JOPLIN, Mo. - Great Lakes Christian College head men's basketball coach Richard Westerlund was awarded the NCCAA DII coach of the year award on Wednesday.

Westerlund's team went 25-5 and was given the number-one seed in the NCCAA DII national tournament after going 16-1 against NCCAA schools in 2021-22. During that tournament this week, the team will look for its first-ever regional or national tournament championship.

Westerlund said that he was "really honored and humbled by this award."

"I truly believe players make the coach," he said, "and I have some really special players who have bought into our vision and our culture. I can't go without crediting my wife, Trisha, she has sacrificed so much in my coaching journey and during basketball season. She pushes me to be better everyday and I know it's not possible without her love and support."

Westerlund also said he was "thankful for my mentors who pour into me each day and have shaped me. I get to work with an amazing coaching staff: Elijah Kess, Quincy Green, and Matt Parks, this isn't possible without them. I am also grateful for GLCC, I get to work at a college that pursues excellence and prepares servant-leaders for the church and the world."

Great Lakes will face Emmaus Bible College on Thursday night in the tournament quarterfinals.