Dan Ficke, an assistant coach at three Division I institutions, has been named Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Belmont Abbey, Director of Athletics Stephen Miss announced today. Ficke most recently spent four seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Denver.
“During what was a thorough and comprehensive national search, Dan Ficke emerged as the right individual at this time to lead Belmont Abbey College’s men’s basketball program,” Miss said. “In addition to having benefited from playing for and working with many exceptional coaches, Coach Ficke articulated repeatedly during the interview process an appreciation of and conviction in our mission that positions him well to form and develop our students as they endeavor individually and collectively to realize their full potential: body, mind, and soul.”
The Colorado native helped the 2017-18 Pioneer squad average 73.1 points per game and rank first in the Summit League in assists per game (15.1) and rebounding margin (plus-6.0). Denver also finished second in the Summit League in 3-point percentage at 40 percent, which also ranked 15th nationally.
A year before, DU posted a 15-15 record with the team that also included an 8-6 record in league play, its best record since joining the league back in 2013. The Pioneers posted a 10-4 mark at home, it’s best at Magness since the 2012-13 year.
“I am extremely honored and grateful to Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., President Thierfelder and Stephen Miss for the opportunity to join the Belmont Abbey family and coach this exceptional group of young men,” Ficke said. “Belmont Abbey is a special place with strong traditions, and I thank God and my family for guiding me and supporting me during this process. I am fully committed to continuing the success of this program and building on the great culture here.”
Ficke moved to Denver after two seasons on the bench at his alma mater, Loyola (Md.), and served three years at Wake Forest in a variety of roles. He was promoted to Special Assistant to the Head Coach/Director of Scouting and Recruiting in 2012-13 after two seasons as the program’s Assistant Director of Operations
A four-year player (2005-09) at Loyola, Ficke was a part of some of the most successful Division I teams at the university during his time with the Greyhounds. He was a member of teams that won 64 games, including the 2007-08 squad that captured a then-school Division I record 19 contests. Ficke graduated in 2009 with his bachelors in business administration and earned his M.B.A. in 2010.
Ficke grew up with strong ties to Belmont Abbey as his father, Bill, played for the Crusaders under legendary coach Al McGuire. As a high schooler, Ficke earned second-team all-state and honorable mention honors at Regis Jesuit High School outside of Denver.
Ficke and his wife, Jordan, will reside in Belmont with their 20-month old twins, William Winslow and Sloane Smith.
https://abbeyathletics.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/releases/20190718j4n0ox
