Head Men’s Basketball Coach Named 

Madison - Dakota State has named Wade Kooiman as head coach of the Trojan men’s basketball program, the university announced today. 

 Kooiman served as interim coach for the 2005-2006 basketball season, following the resignation of Coach Tim Schuring.  The head coaching position was opened to a nationwide search earlier this year, with the final pool including a DSU alumnus and several other qualified candidates.   

 “It was apparent, after reviewing the credentials of all the finalists, that there was one individual who emerged as the outstanding candidate,” Dakota State Athletic Director, Gene Wockenfuss said.  “I have every confidence that Coach Kooiman has utilized his year as interim head coach to develop the skills and strategies he needs as a head coach, to propel this team to the championship level.”

 Prior to leading the Trojans as interim coach, Kooiman served as assistant to Coach Schuring from 2003-2005. He was a graduate assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND from 2001-2003 and a student assistant there from 2000-2001.

 “This is a great opportunity and I appreciate the vote of confidence from Gene Wockenfuss and DSU President Dr. Knowlton,” commented Kooiman.  “I truly feel fortunate to be in this position and connected to an institution as reputable as Dakota State.”

 Kooiman was also a successful player, starting every game of his three year career at the University of Mary, and placing 6^th on the all-time assists list at the university.  He played for a year at SDSU in Brookings in 1997 when the team qualified for the Elite 8 NCAA Division II. 

 Coach Kooiman received a bachelor’s degree in 2001 and a master’s degree in 2005 from the University of Mary in Bismarck.