Stephen Ernst has been tabbed as the interim head men’s basketball coach at Olivet College, according to an announcement by Athletic Director Ryan Shockey. Ernst, who was hired in April 2016 to be an assistant men’s basketball coach, will assume all responsibilities for the program for the 2016-17 season. At the conclusion of the season, a national search will be conducted to find a permanent replacement.
“I want to thank Steve for taking on this new and expanded role for our men’s basketball program,” said Shockey. “He is in charge of all aspects of the program at this time. He will manage the day-to-day operations of the program, including recruiting prospective student-athletes.”
Ernst most recently served as the head boys’ basketball coach at Charlotte High School (CHS). In 2014-15, he led the Orioles to 15 wins, the most victories in 23 years. CHS also advanced to the Sweet 16 of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Boys Basketball Tournament for only the fifth time in the 106 years of Oriole basketball. In 2015-16, CHS was ranked seventh in the preseason Class B poll. After posting a 4-2 record, Ernst resigned due to medical reasons.
Ernst was also the head varsity boys’ basketball coach at Cheboygan High School for the 2013-14 season, leading the Chiefs to an outright league title with a 7-1 record. Before that, he was the head boys’ basketball coach at Lansing Christian High School in 2012-13, guiding the Pilgrims to a 22-4 record and a spot in the MHSAA semifinals.
Ernst began his coaching career as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Glen Oaks Community College for the 1998-99 season, helping the Vikings become the NJCAA Region XII runner-up. The next season, he served as a volunteer assistant coach at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Ernst left GVSU to start his high school coaching career at Grand Rapids Central, where he had a 16-5 record and the Grand Rapids City League Championship with an 11-1 mark.
Ernst returned to GVSU in Aug. 2002 to become the head assistant coach. During his second stint at GVSU, he was responsible for the Lakers’ top two recruiting classes.
Ernst has his roots close to Olivet, as he graduated from CHS in 1986. He played for his father, Jerry, averaging 28 points and eight assists, and earning first-team All-State honors as a senior. Ernst began his collegiate basketball career at GVSU and later played at Alma College, leading the conference in assists during the 1989. He returned home to graduate and earn a bachelor’s degree in human relations from Olivet College in 1991.
“I want to thank Ryan Shockey and President (Steven) Corey for the chance to coach at my alma mater,” said Ernst. “I look forward to working with the student-athletes and putting together a team which makes our fans and entire Olivet community proud of them on the court and in the class room. In addition, I am committed to providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes, and I will make sure that happens.”
