Episode 48: Coach Greg Tonagel- Is a three-time NABC/NAIA Division II National Coach of the Year. Indiana Wesleyan university

 

Greg Tonagel begins his 14th season at the helm of the Indiana Wesleyan University men’s basketball team in 2018-19.

Tonagel and the Wildcats have won three NAIA Division II National Championships in a five year spans with titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Indiana Wesleyan won the 2014 red banner in unprecedented fashion as they became the first team to win all five of their games at the national tournament by double digit. In 2016, Indiana Wesleyan defeated the top two seeds in the tournament to claim the title. IWU beat four top-15 teams in 2018 en route to the title, including No. 1 IU East and No. 7 Saint Francis in the championship game, the fourth win over the Cougars during the season.

Tonagel is a three-time NABC/NAIA Division II National Coach of the Year.

In his 13 season as a head coach, Tonagel has already led Indiana Wesleyan to three national championships, one Final Four, five Elite Eight finishes, and nine Crossroads League regular season championships, including seven straight from 2009-15. Tonagel has three Crossroads League Tournament championships as well with wins in 2010, 2015, and 2018.

Indiana Wesleyan has finished three seasons as the No. 1-ranked team in NAIA Division II. Tonagel's teams have spent time in the NAIA top-five in each of the last 12 seasons.

In 13 years as head coach, Tonagel is the winningest coach in program history. He has the highest winning percentage (.786), most wins (361), most NAIA national tournament victories (29), most national tournament appearances (11), most Crossroads League regular season championships (9), and most Crossroads League Tournament championships (3).

The former Valparaiso (Ind.) University point guard, known for his hard work and energy, has brought those characteristics to the basketball program. Tonagel was introduced as head men’s basketball coach on April 1, 2005. Drawing from experience gained from leading the Valparaiso Crusaders to four NCAA tournament appearances as a starting point guard, along with the tutelage of mentor Homer Drew, Tonagel has helped orchestrate a new era of Wildcat basketball.

Prior to Tonagel’s hiring, the Wildcats had won seven games and finished last in the Mid-Central College Conference. The program improved by 10 wins under Tonagel’s tutelage in his first year on the bench and reached the NAIA Elite Eight in his second season. Making a name for himself when it comes to program building, Tonagel has done it through sound developmental teaching and high caliber recruiting.

Much of the unprecedented success of the Wildcats can be attributed to the culture Tonagel built at IWU.  The IWU culture is built around two biblically transforming principles; I am Third and Fearless. "It’s our core belief that God has created us for greatness when we realize our potential in becoming “third” and “fearless.” What I have come to realize is that I don’t just coach basketball, I coach people” comments Tonagel. This has helped the influence of IWU basketball to extend far beyond the court. Tonagel and his staff have been committed to using basketball as a platform for discipleship.

Prior to his current position, Tonagel served as Director of Basketball Operations at Valparaiso University, where he played in four NCAA Tournaments. He also led his LaPorte High School team to the last single class state finals in 1997. Greg and his wife, Amy, along with their three children Jace, William, and Allie reside in Marion. He is active in a number of organizations and causes, most notably his church.

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