Martin Luther College (MLC) is proud to announce that Greg Holzhueter has accepted a divine call to serve as the Knights’ new men’s head basketball coach.
Holzhueter takes over for Jim Unke, who served as head coach of the men’s basketball program for the last 19 seasons. Unke will continue to serve as Director of Athletics for the Knights.
Holzhueter comes to MLC with three years’ experience as a head coach at Bethany Lutheran College (BLC), where he compiled a record of 23-52, including a 20-24 mark in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) games. Prior to that, he served as an assistant on the BLC staff for two seasons.
Holzhueter graduated from MLC in 2011 with one of the most memorable athletic careers in school history. He was a four-year letter-winner in football, basketball, and baseball, and his name is in the record books in multiple categories in all three sports.
“We’re very excited that someone of Greg’s caliber will be leading our program moving forward,” Unke said. “Greg understands our mission at MLC as well as anyone, and also brings three years of experience at the collegiate level in the UMAC.”
Unke leaves the program after 19 years as head coach, finishing with a career record of 164-301, including a 96-138 record in conference play. During his tenure, the Knights won a pair of UMAC regular season championships (2002-03 and 2008-09), as well as one tournament championship (1999-00), which resulted in the school’s first ever trip to the NAIA National Tournament that season. He was also named UMAC Coach of the Year in men’s basketball on four separate occasions.
In his 34 seasons as a basketball coach between MLC and Lakeside Lutheran High School, Unke compiled a 380-375 overall record.
“I absolutely love coaching,” Unke said. “I really hate to see it end, but with the responsibilities as the AD growing, something had to give. I’m excited and looking forward to welcoming Greg back to MLC.”
Holzhueter finished his four-year MLC career as the school’s all-time leader in assists (370) and steals (170). He also ranks second in program history in career free throws (319), and seventh in career points (1191).
The Knights made the conference tournament in all four seasons in which he played, and he was the starting point guard on the Knights’ last UMAC championship team in the 2008-09 season.
“I was honored to receive the call to return to my alma mater as Men’s Basketball Coach and Instructor, and I can’t wait to get started in my new role,” Holzhueter said. “I have a passion for the mission of Martin Luther College, and I know how special this place is. It will be a tremendous blessing to undertake the challenge of leading MLC’s men’s basketball program in its continued pursuit of excellence on the court, while also making an impact in the lives of future pastors, teachers, and staff ministers.”
Holzhueter will also serve as a professor in the physical education and math departments at MLC.
http://mlcknights.com/news/2016/4/6/greg-holzhueter-named-mlc-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
Photo Courtesy MLC Athletics
