After 13 seasons as head coach of the men’s basketball team at Saginaw Valley State University, Randy Baruth announced he’s stepping down from his head coaching duties, effective immediately.

“We have enjoyed being a part of the Cardinal family for the past 13 years,” Baruth said. “I would like to thank all current and former players for their support during my time at SVSU. I am proud of the back-to-back 20-win seasons, especially winning the regular season GLIAC title and reaching the Elite Eight in 2015-16, which is the best finish in program history at the NCAA Division II level.

“I want to thank the administration and my colleagues — specifically assistant coaches Tommy Twardecki and Barry Huckeby, both of whom worked tirelessly to help our student-athletes be the best they could be. SVSU truly is a special place.”

A native of Alpena, South Dakota, Baruth was hired by SVSU in 2012-13 after serving as the top assistant for legendary coach Don Meyer at Northern State University. Baruth also was on the coaching staff under former NBA player/coach Larry Krystkowiak at the University of Utah and under Tim Miles at Colorado State.

“I appreciate Coach Baruth’s 13 years of dedicated service to SVSU and the sweat equity he poured into our student-athletes,” said John Lewandowski, SVSU vice president for intercollegiate athletics. “We wish him well in his future pursuits.”

The most recent winning season for SVSU men’s basketball was 2021-22 when the team finished 19-11 overall and 12-8 in conference play, claiming the GLIAC South Division title. Baruth departs with an NCAA-recorded mark of 183-176 (.510) in 13 seasons.

Twardecki, assistant men’s basketball coach, will handle day-to-day operations for men’s basketball while a national search is conducted for the next coach to lead the program.

https://www.svsucardinals.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/releases/20250321nmfxka