The St. Norbert College Green Knights captured the 2009-10 men’s Midwest Conference Basketball title, beating Ripon College 77-72 on Wednesday night at the Schuldes Sports Center. It’s the first basketball title for the Green Knights in 8-years and 4th year head coach Gary Grzesk said it’s a great feeling.
AUDIO: Coach Gary Grzesk says winning the title is a great feeling. :15
Grzesk (pronounced Gresh) was a standout at UW-Green Bay in the early to mid-90’s. He played on NCAA teams and played a large role in shutting down long-time NBA superstar Jason Kidd in a Green Bay win over California. Grzesk played defense with a passion drawing the opponent’s best offensive player night in and night out. Now it’s Grzesk’s goal to get his own players to play with some of that passion, on both ends of the floor.
AUDIO: Grzesk says his players play the game the right way :17
Grzesk finished his first season at St. Norbert with a 9-13 record. The Green Knights improved to 14-10 and then 18-6 last year. Now, with 2-games left in the regular season, the Knights are 19-2 and ranked 14th in the D3hoops.com poll. Grzesk said it took a few years, but it’s hopefully a sign of things to come.
AUDIO: Grzesk said this is hopefully a sign of good things to come :24
The Knights have two games left, starting with a home game against rival Lawrence University this Saturday. Grzesk said his team continues to play at a high level and he’s looking for a strong finish.
By winning the regular season Midwest Conference Championship, the Knights will host the Midwest Conference tournament at the end of the month.
GREAT JOB, COACH!
DAVE