Jeff Rogers has been named head basketball coach at Berry College announced Viking Athletic Director Todd Brooks.
Rogers comes to Berry after serving as the head coach at Thomas More College—also an NCAA Division III institution—located in Crestview Hills, Ky. In four seasons, he led the Saints to a 77-34 (.694 win percentage) record. Rogers’ 2012-13 team went 23-5 and 14-2 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC). He was named the conference coach of the year.
"We are extremely excited to name Jeff Rogers as our new men’s basketball coach," said Brooks. "He has a winning track record and will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the program. Along with possessing a winning approach to basketball, Jeff is genuinely committed to the well-being of his student-athletes and is committed to their overall development as young men. I believe the Berry faithful will enjoy the fast-paced style of basketball Jeff will introduce next winter. He is a tremendous hire, and the future of the Berry men’s basketball program is in good hands."
Rogers spent two seasons as an assistant for the Saints before becoming the head coach in 2009-10. That team won what was the most games in a single season at Thomas More, posting a 21-7 mark and winning a share of the PAC regular-season title. His team led the NCAA (at any division) in steals per game with 14.
In his second season (2010-11), Rogers led the Saints to a 13-14 overall record and an 8-6 PAC (PAC) record to finish tied for fourth in the conference. The Saints advanced to the semifinals of the PAC Championship Tournament for the fourth straight year.
In 2011-12, Rogers guided the Saints to a 20-8 overall record and 13-3 mark in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) and an appearance in championship game of the PAC Tournament. After the season, he was named the PAC Coach of the Year.
"I’m honored to be selected to serve Berry College and its men’s basketball team," said Rogers. "I look forward to building a program that fosters a strong work ethic and a commitment to success. I’m thankful to President Stephen Briggs, Dean Debbie Heida and the Vikings’ Athletic Director Todd Brooks, for allowing me this opportunity. I’m excited to offer my skills to contribute to the student experience at Berry College by creating an atmosphere that’s fun for both the players and the fans."
A native of Louisville, Ky., Rogers earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University in 1989 and a master’s degree from the University of Louisville in 1996. He began his coaching career in 1989 when he served as an intern with USA Basketball at the United States Olympic Committee Complex in Colorado Springs, Co., for a year.
Rogers then he served as an intern with the University of Kentucky Basketball program in Lexington, Ky., from 1990-92. After leaving Kentucky, Rogers served as the Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in Kansas City, Mo., from 1992-1996.
In 1996, Coach Rogers returned to Kentucky and served as a high school head boys coach for 10 years before joining former head coach John Ellenwood’s staff in 2007. Over the 10-year span of his high school coaching career, Rogers’ teams won over 70 percent of their games, compiling a 201-84 record (.705). His teams won four straight district championships and twice earned a regional title.
Rogers will be the 11th head coach in Berry men’s basketball’s history. He inherits a team that went 5-21 and 2-12 in the Southern Athletic Association. The Vikings, however, lose only two letter winners to graduation.
Berry is in its last year of provisional Division III membership and will be eligible for NCAA championships in 2013-14.
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