Wisconsin Lutheran College Director of Athletics Skip Noon announced the hiring of Aaron Aanonsen as head men’s basketball coach of the Warriors. Aanonsen, who will also serve as Associate Director of Athletics, comes to Wisconsin Lutheran after spending the past nine seasons as head men’s basketball coach at fellow Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference member Lakeland University. He becomes the fifth head men’s basketball coach in Wisconsin Lutheran history.
“I would like to thank Skip Noon and the entire administration at WLC,” said Aanonsen. “It’s a blessing from God to be able to work at such a special institution, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity they have given me. I am excited to mentor the student-athletes and help prepare them for lives of Christian leadership. I look forward to working with Skip and the rest of the WLC family for many years to come.”
In nine seasons as the Muskies’ head coach, Aanonsen compiled a 137-100 coaching record, including a stretch of six straight winning seasons (2010-2016). LU qualified for the NACC Tournament six times during Aanonsen’s tenure, including back-to-back NACC Tournament Championship appearances in 2012 and 2013.
The second-winningest coach in Lakeland history, Aanonsen increased his win total in each of his first five seasons as head coach, and is the only coach to lead a team to back-to-back 20-win seasons since the Muskies joined NCAA Division III.
Aanonsen led the Muskies to a 22-6 overall record in 2012-2013, including a 13-3 mark in the NACC. The team’s 22 wins broke the school record since becoming an NCAA affiliated institution, and its 15-2 start was the best 17-game start in Lakeland’s 84-year history for men’s basketball.
Aanonsen produced 21 All-Conference players, two All-Americans, two All-Region selections, seven All-Freshman selections, and four 1,000-point scorers in nine seasons at the helm of the Muskies. Players under Aanonsen’s tutelage hold eight NACC career records.
“We’re thrilled to have Aaron join our staff,” said Skip Noon. “He brings a wealth of experience to the department, not just as a basketball coach and recruiter, but as an administrator. I’m excited to have someone lead the men’s basketball program who understands that his most important role is to build Christian leaders.”
http://www.wlcsports.com/sports/mbkb/2016-17/releases/20170324capfa8
