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.
