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
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The Greg Tonagel Story
47 wins, an
elite 8 appearance, a conference championship along with 2
conference coach of the year awards is what Indiana
Wesleyan got out of one of the youngest head coaches in
the nation during Greg Tonagel’s first two years leading
the Wildcats. What makes this turnaround so amazing is the
fact that the school had only won a total of 7 games while
finishing dead last in conference prior to coach Tonagel’s
arrival. A former Valparaiso University point guard known
for his hard work and energy has brought exactly that to
the campus of Indiana Wesleyan.
A new era in Wildcat basketball began April 1st, 2005 when
Greg Tonagel was introduced as the Men’s head coach.
Experience gained from leading his 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 one of the biggest
turnarounds in college basketball. In his first year, his
team doubled their overall win total and more than tripled
their conference win total from the previous year.
Excitement and campus enthusiasm was at an all time high
until the Wildcats followed up with an even better year.
Second consecutive conference coach of the year, Tonagel
guided Indiana Wesleyan to a school record 30-5 along with
a trip to the Elite 8. The Wildcats also won their first
ever conference championship. Making a name for him-self
when it comes program building, Coach Tonagel has done it
through sound fundamental teaching and high caliber
recruiting.
At the completion of the 06-07’ campaign, Tonagel’s
Wildcats ranked in 16 different statistical categories
among the national leaders. Known for their defense, the
Wildcats led the nation in scoring defense at 59 pg at the
completion of the regular season. They also ranked in the
top ten in six defensive categories. 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 the “Luckey Lunatics” making
Luckey Gym 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 Coach Tonagel and the
staff have had on the program is the work ethic that they
have instilled. His teams play with passion and toughness.
It doesn’t matter if his guys are writing a paper, helping
a neighbor or working out in the gym, he demands that you
be committed and give everything you can. 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 In. He is active in
a number of organizations and causes most notable his
church.
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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
2006: Mid-central Coach of the Year
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
2005-2006 17-14, 2nd place in conference
2006-2007 30-5, Conf. Champs, Elite 8
Overall Record of 47-19
* Granted 6th year of eligibility and spent time doing
both. |
