Hastings College Athletic Director B.J. Pumroy announced today that Hastings College alum Todd Raridon (’80) will return to Hastings College as the head basketball coach after spending the past 18 years at North Central College (IL).
“Having the opportunity to hire a highly respected veteran coach with ties to the campus led us to bringing Todd Raridon back to Hastings College,” said B.J. Pumroy, Director of Athletics. “Coach Raridon’s long history of success on the floor and in the campus communities makes this an appealing opportunity to increase the level of play and community connection for the team.”
In his 17 years as the Cardinals’ head coach, Raridon has directed the team to the most successful such period in the College’s history. His current coaching record at North Central is 290-145, making him the winningest coach in program history. In 31 years total as a collegiate head coach, Raridon owns a record of 559-270, ranking him eighth among active NCAA Division III coaches and 30th all-time in Division III in coaching victories.
“I want to thank President Lloyd, Athletic Director B.J. Pumroy, Gary Freeman and Mike Trader from the Hastings College Foundation for the opportunity to return home and be part of this outstanding institution”, Raridon said. “The people made this college a special place while I was an undergraduate and it’s still true today.”
During his time at North Central, the Cardinals won three College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Championships, Five CCIW Tournament Championships, Eight appearances in the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championship, recorded the schools most wins in a season at 28, led the program to its first No. 1 ranking, coached four All-Americans, 20 All-Region selections and 40 All-CCIW awards.
“Coach Raridon’s history indicates leading teams to competitive excellence. Our program at Hastings College has dropped off in success over the years and having the opportunity to regain that excellence is something we are looking forward to,” said Pumroy. “His experience in the Great Plains Athletic Conference and our previous conference (Nebraska Iowa Athletic Conference) will pay dividends for our future.”
Prior to his time at North Central, Raridon spent 15 seasons at then conference foe Nebraska Wesleyan where he compiled a 269-125 record. There he won six conference championships and advanced to the NCAA DIII national tournament seven times and took the team to the national championship in 1997.
“The GPAC is a conference that is respected throughout the country,” Raridon continued. “I’ve witnessed it up close and look forward to the challenges of competing in the league.”
He is originally from McCook, NE where he was named Honorable Mention All-State at McCook High. He then attended and played basketball at Hastings College where he was a four year letterman and was also named Hastings’ Alumni Coach of the Year in 2013. He played for the Broncos legendary coach and NAIA Hall of Famer Dr. Lynn Farrell.
“I’m thrilled to lead the basketball program that has had so many great players and coaches over the years,” Raridon said.
Raridon will officially begin duties at Hastings on March 22.
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