Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jeff Rutter is excited to announce the hiring of Hudson Welty as a new assistant coach for the Firestorm. Coach Welty joins the ACU MBB staff after two seasons as an assistant coach at NAIA No.1 Indiana Wesleyan University.
“I am really excited to have Hudson join our program,” commented Coach Rutter. “He is a gifted coach who possess both a great work ethic and a desire to help student-athletes grow spiritually. He played for an NAIA Hall of Famer in Rocky Lamar and got to work with Greg Tonagel and his staff for the past couple years. Two coaches that have been highly successful but also deeply care about their players. That experience and his character make him well prepared to make a big impact in our community.”
“My wife and I are excited about the opportunity to start a new journey at Arizona Christian,” declared Coach Welty. “I am extremely grateful to Coach Rutter for giving me the opportunity to join him in continuing to build a program on the rise at ACU. I am looking forward to putting in the work to help our players take their games to the next level and develop into the kingdom men this world needs!”
During Coach Welty’s two seasons with IWU, the Wildcats produced a record of 59-7 and were ranked in the top three of the NAIA during that time which includes the number one ranking in the last five polls.
“Coach Welty made a huge impact at Indiana Wesleyan,” stated Indiana Wesleyan Head Coach Greg Tonagel- a three time national coach of the year. “He is one of the great leaders in this profession. He is a passionate disciple maker and a very gifted coach who will push his players to reach their potential on the court and as men for the kingdom.”
“Coach Welty brings an infectious work ethic and great attitude into the gym every day,” said Kyle Mangas- two time NAIA Player of the Year and four time NAIA First Team All-American. “He cares about his players and wants to see them succeed in all areas of life.”
Prior to coaching at Indiana Wesleyan, Coach Welty was an assistant for two years at Covenant College.
As an athlete, Welty played four years at MidAmerica Nazarene University for Coach Lamar.
In 2018, Welty graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a degree in business administration. He completed a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2021.
Coach Welty and his wife, Audra, will make the move to the Glendale area the beginning of July.
Welcome to ACU Athletics, Coach Welty.
