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Greg Tonagel begins his fourth season at the helm of the Indiana Wesleyan University men's basketball team.
During the three seasons that Tonagel has been on campus, the Wildcats have had an amazing turnaround. Indiana Wesleyan is 70-30 under one of the youngest coaches in the nation and have won 17 or more games in each season, the first time that has been accomplished at Indiana Wesleyan. Despite being a head coach for only three seasons, Tonagel is already third in the program's history in wins.
Prior to Tonagel's hiring, the Wildcats had won seven games and finished last in the Mid-Central College Conference. Indiana Wesleyan 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.
Indiana Wesleyan captured the program's first-ever conference championship during the 2006-07 season and Tonagel has already been honored as MCC Coach of the Year during his first two seasons. Indiana Wesleyan captured the second NCCAA National Championship in program history during the 2007-08 season. The former Valparaiso (Ind.) University point guard, known for his hard work and energy, has brought those characteristics to the Indiana Wesleyan men's basketball program.
Tonagel was introduced as the Indiana Wesleyan head men's basketball coach on April 1, 2005. Experience gained from leading the Valparaiso Crusader's 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 with high expectations. Indiana Wesleyan has posted two of the top three seasons in program history under Tonagel as the Wildcats' 30-5 season of 2006-07 is the most wins in school history while the 2007-08 season of 23-11 is the third most wins in a season.
Making a name for him-self when it come program building, Tonagel has done it through sound developmental teachingand high caliber recruiting.
Known for defense, the Wildcats led the nation in scoring defense at 59 points per game at the completion of the 2006-07 regular season. They also ranked in the top ten in six defensive categories that season. Although it all starts on the defensive end for the Wildcats, an up-tempo, aggressive offensive style that utilizes skilled and creative play has rejuvenated Luckey Arena into a fantastic place to experience a basketball game. Tonagel and his staff have introduced innovative offensive style that players want to be a part of and fans desire to see.
Perhaps the biggest influence that Tonagel and the staff have had on the program is the work ethic that they have instilled, on and off the court. Tonagel's teams have passion and toughness. It doesn't matter if his guys are writing a paper, helping a neighbor or working out in the gym, Tonagel demands commitment and that each athlete give 100-percent. Many consider his weight and conditioning programs to be some of the toughest around. Players learn to bond together, which is the only way to survive these grueling workouts.
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 reside in Marion. He is active in a number of organizations and causes, most notably his church.
The Greg Tonagel File
Personal
| Birthdate | April 5, 1980 |
| Birthplace | LaPorte, Indiana |
| High School | LaPorte HS, (1998) |
| Education | Valparaiso Univeristy |
| Degrees | B.S. Biology and Secondary Ed (2003) M.A. Teaching & Learning (2005) |
Honors
1997 - Led H.S team to last single class state finals
1997 - Selected to attend Nike All American Camp
1998 - Starter for the Indiana All Star Team
1998-2003 - Led Valparaiso to 4 NCAA Tournaments
- Won 20 games each of the four years as a starter
- Compaq National play of the week
- Set single season FT record
- Academic All Conference
- Two-time team captain
- Team Chaplain and Bible study leader
2007 - Mid-central Coach of the Year
Coaching Experience
| Valparaiso University | Player/Coach* | 2003-2004 |
| Valparaiso University | Dir. Basketball Ops. | 2004-2005 |
| Indiana Wesleyan | Head Coach | 2005-Present |
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What they're saying about Greg Tonagel
| "What Coach Tonagel has been able to accomplish in a short amount of time at Indiana Wesleyan is amazing. They have set records for most wins and highest finish in their conference history. This has led to an unbelievable recruiting class for 06' and many more to come. Watch out for Indiana Wesleyan Basketball!" | |
| Matt Painter - Purdue Head Coach | |
| "Coach Tonagel was an outstanding basketball player for us here at Valparaiso University, and it is no surprise to me the outstanding accomplishments he has made for Indiana Wesleyan University. He knows the game, works hard, and relates extremely well to his players. He truly is one of the best young coaches in our profession." | |
| Homer Drew - Valparaiso University | |
| "I have seen first hand his basketball mind, character, integrity and relentless work ethic. He will develop his players by helping them reach their full potential." | |
| Rex Walters - Florida Atlantic Head Coach | |
| "What Greg Tonagel and his staff have been able to achieve in just one year is the kind of story that movies get made of. This program is on the road to building a dynasty with the talent they are recruiting, the way they are developing players, and how they are coaching them!!" | |
| Scott Drew - Baylor Head Coach | |
| "Tonagel was a smart player who knows how the game should be played. I am sure he will be an outstanding teacher and motivator. I believe his teams will play the same way he did, with passion and determination." | |
| Mike Heideman - Washington State Assistant Coach | |
Jeff Clark enters his third season at Indiana Wesleyan. Though relatively new to the coaching world, Clark has quickly found his niche, helping the Wildcats to another outstanding recruiting class while being named the Indiana Basketball News top NAIA assistant in 2007 and 2008. Clark will be involved in all phases of Wildcat basketball but will focus on post player development and game preparation while serving as the recruiting coordinator.
Prior to joining the Wildcat coaching staff, Clark had a four-year basketball career at Anderson (Ind.) University where he was a two-year captain and was twice named to the Academic All-Conference team.
Considering his age, Clark has considerable international basketball experience. This past summer, Clark helped conduct a clinic in Macedonia to help the Macedonian Basketball Federation develop the skills of some of the national teams. He also worked closely with some of the national coaches to help them learn more about the game. During his playing career, Clark spent a summer in Russia playing basketball with Athletes in Action against Russian professional teams. Clark was also one of the founders of Anderson University's Athletes in Action chapter.
Clark graduated magna cum laude from Anderson with a double major in Business Administration and Secondary Education. He and his wife, Tiffany (Hueber), were married on August 4, 2007.
Upon graduating from Indiana Wesleyan in 1992, Hodson began his coaching career at Lakeview Christian. After three seasons of coaching the JV, assisted one year by the voice of the Wildcats, Roger Alcock, Hodson stepped into the Varsity position. Over the past 16 years, Hodson has accumulated 14 years of coaching experience, including four as a varsity head coach in Indiana and Tennessee. Before taking a break from coaching to pursue his Masters Degree through Indiana Wesleyan, he was an assistant varsity coach and then JV coach at Mississinewa High School, his alma mater.
Hodson has had International experience as well. In 1993 he traveled as a player/coach with a group of NAIA/NCCAA athletes and competed with teams in the Ukraine. During their first stop, the team faced one of the players on the Olympic team. An invitation was extended for Hodson to return and play on his professional team. While in the Ukraine the team would compete and then witness to the players at halftime.
Hodson had this to say about joining the staff, "Coach Tonagel has embraced and upheld the philosophy and spirit of Indiana Wesleyan University. Coach Tonagel's leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence is contagious and inspiring. Coaches Tonagel and Clark require the same of themselves as they do of their players, only the best and nothing less. God has provided this opportunity and it is a privilege to be connected with IWU, once again, and Coach Tonagel." Hodson recalls walking with Dr. Fratzke to meet Coach Tonagel just outside of Luckey Gymansium, the day of his first interview at IWU. "I knew in my heart we were going to be coaching together, not in my timeframe, but in God's.
A somewhat unique "coincidence", Hodson coached against three of the current Wildcats, during their high school career…Jordan Bragg, Clint Cochran and Spencer Harris.
Coach Hodson's primary responsibilities include assisting in practice, working with the guards, scouting, and recruiting. Hodson teaches elementary Physical Education at Westview and Northview Elementary, which are a part of the Mississinewa Community Schools.
| Indiana Wesleyan at | 81 |
| Bethel | 84 |
| Bethel: NAIA DII No. 2 | stats |
| Indiana Wesleyan at | 7:00pm |
| Michigan-Dearborn | EST |
