Story Courtesy David McFeely, SBU Director of Media Relations
Southwest Baptist University Director of Athletics, Clark Sheehy, is excited to announce Bearcat basketball alumni, Tomas Brock, as the new Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Brock ’11, returns home with 156 head coaching wins in just seven seasons.
“We are thrilled that Coach Tomas Brock will be our next men’s basketball coach. Tomas has great experience and a strong track record of developing student-athletes.” Sheehy said, “He is a strong mission fit, and we are excited that he has chosen to come back to his alma mater to lead our program. It’s a great day to be a Bearcat.”
“Returning to Bolivar, Mo. as the head coach of the SBU Bearcats is a dream come true. I took pride in wearing the Bearcat uniform and representing this University as a player and now, I’ll take pride in bringing that same passion and commitment to the sidelines.” Coach Brock said, “Returning to an institution that is Christ-Centered and mission focused is exciting for me and my family. I’d like to thank Clark Sheehy and Dr. Rick Melson for their belief in me and our vision for this program.”
Brock joins the Bearcats after seven seasons at Columbia College where he posted an incredible 156-59 (.725) overall and 87-26 (.770) conference record. This tenure included two regular season American Midwest Conference (AMC) Championships (2023 & 2026) and two AMC tournament Championships (2023 & 2026). As well, he has led them to three NAIA National Tournaments. Brock was named the AMC Coach of the Year in 2023.
In his seven seasons, he has led the Cougars to 20+ win seasons in all but the Covid season, where the schedule was cut short. Brock has coached six NAIA All-Americans, 25 AMC All-Conference performers, and 69 Academic All-Conference performers. This past season, Brock led the Cougars to a 29-4 record and a near perfect AMC 13-1 record, ranked as high as #15 in NAIA.
Prior to being named the head coach at Columbia College, he was the Associate Head Coach for four seasons. He helped lead the Cougars to three AMC regular season championships, three NAIA tournament qualifiers, and two NAIA sweet 16’s. In 2018, Brock was recognized as an NABC 30 under 30 member, which consists of up-and-coming young coaches in men’s college basketball.
His first year as a head coach was at Hillcrest High school, where he led the team to a Missouri Class 4A State Runner-Up. Prior to being a head coach, he was an assistant coach at East Central University, helping lead the team to their first winning season in seven years.
Coach Brock got the opportunity to be a graduate assistant and learn from one of the most prominent Division II coaches and up-and-coming Division I coach, Ben McCollum (current head coach of Iowa University). Brock was a graduate assistant for Northwest Missouri State from 2011-13 and helped lead the team to a MIAA Regular Season Championship. He earned his Master of Science Physical Education at Northwest Missouri State.
Brock earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics as a student-athlete at Southwest Baptist University in 2011. While at SBU he helped lead the team to a 2009 MIAA Championship and was a 2x All-MIAA member. In his three years as a Bearcat, he started in every game he played (83) and amassed 933 total points while shooting 42.6% from the floor. His name can be found in five different SBU career record books: FT made (267), FT percentage (80.4%), assists (351), assists average (4.2), and games started (83).
“I look forward to reconnecting with Bearcat Alumni, the SBU and Bolivar communities and producing a basketball team that they can be proud of. I’m thankful for so many people that have been a part of my coaching journey, most of all my wife Abby and our children Bodie, Haddie, and Baylor”
SBU men’s basketball coach Tomas Brock will be introduced to the Southwest Baptist community at a press conference that will be held on Friday, March 27th at 10 a.m. in the 6th Man Room.
Here is what others had to say about Coach Brock:
“Tomas is a rising star in college basketball! He has won throughout his entire career. Most importantly Tomas cares deeply about the players he coaches. This along with his strong Christian Faith make him the perfect fit at Southwest Baptist University – Ben McCollum, Iowa Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“I’m so excited for Tomas and SBU. Obviously, he has a great history there and a passion for SBU…so combine that with his coaching and I think big things are ahead for SBU basketball. He has a deep knowledge of DII basketball from his playing and early coaching days and has been recruiting the Midwest his whole career. He’s been successful at literally every stop of his career, and I expect that to continue in Bolivar. Congrats to SBU and Coach Brock! – Dr. Andy Peterson, Northwest Missouri Director of Athletics
“There’s something special about coming home. I’m thrilled for Tomas and his family as he returns to Southwest Baptist University, where he made such a tremendous impact on the Bearcats historically successful teams during his playing career. As head coach, his work ethic, attention to detail, leadership, and ability to connect with players will set a very high standard for the program going forward. SBU is getting an outstanding coach and person to lead their program.” – Ja Havens, Northeastern Oklahoma State Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“Tomas is one of the best and brightest coaches in the game. His consistent success is to be admired. He is committed to mentoring and serving each of his students as they work to achieve their athletic and academic goals. His coaching is anchored by his commitment to his faith, his family, and servant-leadership. He will be an outstanding addition to the SBU community!” – Bob Burchard, former Columbia College AD & NAIA Hall of Fame Coach
