Bauer named Head Basketball Coach at Grand Rapids CC

Photo Courtesy GRCC Athletics

Jeff Bauer has been named as the new head men’s basketball coach at Grand Rapids Community College, Athletic Director Bill Firn announced.  Bauer brings with him over 26 years of coaching experience, most notably coaching 11 years at his alma mater, Grand Valley State University.

“I’m excited to introduce Jeff Bauer as our next Head Men’s Basketball Coach,” Firn said. “Jeff comes to GRCC with extensive coaching experience at the NCAA Division I and Division II levels. In each of his stops he has proven to be a winner. His reputation for being a great teacher of the game as well as the importance he places on developing young men were two of the main reasons Jeff was selected. In his time at Grand Valley State University, Jeff was responsible for recruiting NJCAA Student-Athletes and he knows first hand what it will take for GRCC to continue the recent success our Men’s Basketball program has experienced. We were blessed to have Luke Bronkema for the past three years and I believe Jeff will continue to build on the foundation Luke Bronkema, Dave Selmon and Hall of Famer Gene Paxton laid. Jeff is an outstanding basketball coach, his tremendous work ethic and his connections in West Michigan and throughout the state will serve him well in this role. I believe Jeff’s connections and experience recruiting NJCAA Student-Athletes will be an asset for our Student-Athletes as they look to transfer to four-year institutions to continue their academic and athletic careers. Jeff is very well respected in this community and by his peers. He will be an outstanding addition to GRCC and our department.”

Bauer becomes the eighth coach since 1965 to coach the Raider men’s basketball team.  He is replacing Luke Bronkema who had a successful three year run where the Raiders made two National Tournament appearances including a sixth place finish in 2017 and eighth place finish in 2018.  The Raiders also made national championship runs in 2010, 2012, 2013 and its best season was a National Runner-Up finish in 1995, losing by just a single point.

“I am very excited and thankful for the chance to lead to the Raider program,” Bauer said.  “Grand Rapids Community College is a tremendous institution in a phenomenal city.  The opportunities that students have to build their athletic and academic careers in a city such as Grand Rapids is second to none.  I am thankful to God and the GRCC community, Athletic Director Bill Firn, and the search committee for their trust in me to lead this proud program.”
“I cannot wait to put my stamp on this program,” Bauer continued.  “The former coaches at GRCC (from Coach Bronkema, Spicer, Carnegie, McEwen, Selmon and Hall of Famer Gene Paxton) all have left a solid foundation and winning formula for the program.  I hope to build off the success and history that they have put in place and attempt to take it up one more level.  Head coaching opportunities are difficult to come by at any level of coaching. There are tremendous coaches at all levels of coaching who never get an opportunity so I don’t intent on taking this for granted.”

Bauer’s coaching career began in 1993 assisting both the Varsity and JV programs at Newaygo High School. In 1996, he left the program to be a student assistant of the GVSU basketball team while finishing his Bachelor’s degree in Biology.  Between the years of 1997 and 1999, Bauer was the volunteer assistant coach at Central Michigan University (NCAA DI) while earning his Master’s in Athletic Administration.

For the next three years (1999-2003), Bauer spent one year stints at Lincoln Memorial University (NCAA DII), with the Grand Rapids Hoops (former semi-professional team) and at Grand Rapids Creston High School as the Boy’s Varsity Coach.  He then returned back to Central Michigan University and was the Video Coordinator and Head Assistant for Jay Smith and the Chippewas between 2003 and 2006.

In 2006, Bauer begin his ten year career at Grand Valley State (NCAA DII) coaching along side Head Coach Ric Wesley until 2016.  His success there included winning over 72% of his team’s games and participating in five NCAA tournaments including two Elite Eight appearances.  His best season there was during 2007-2008 when the Lakers went 36-1 (18-0 in conference play), eventually losing in the Elite Eight while being ranked #1 in the nation.  The 36 wins marked the most wins ever by an NCAA Division II team.  That unforgettable season included an 85-82 exhibition upset over 8th ranked Michigan State that featured All-American Drew Neitzel.

Bauer has had the honor to coach over 20 All-Conference Student-Athletes and 16 All-Defense Team members during his illustrious career so far.  This includes GLIAC Player of the Year, Callistus Eziukwu in 2007-08 and First Team honoree James Thomas in 2011-12.  Thomas was a former Raider great (2008-10) who led the Lakers in scoring, rebounding and three pointers made during his senior season at GVSU.

“I hope to create a player-led atmosphere for the Raider program which will be competitive on the floor,” Bauer said.  “We will stay true to the process of daily improvement that all championship programs are committed to.  We will teach competition and demand that our student-athletes play hard, smart, and together.  We will help players increase their basketball IQ and skill level to prepare them for an opportunity at a four year school.  Most importantly, however, we will help young men begin their academic career on a positive note, instill a service mentality in our student-athletes, and help make them better men so they can succeed in life.”

During the past two seasons, Bauer helped West Ottawa High School’s girl’s Varsity team double their wins from their previous year.  He followed that up by helping Allendale High School’s boy’s Varsity team triple their win total from a year ago.

Bauer is in his third year teaching biology and chemistry at West Ottawa High School.  He resides in Allendale, Michigan with his wife Jessica and sons John (2) and “Bo” Ryan (1).

https://grccraiders.com/news/2019/5/19/grcc-names-jeff-bauer-new-mens-basketball-coach.aspx