Story: Adam Nelson (@HD_DirtKing)
I have heard from multiple sources that NJCAA D2 Iowa Central head coach Ryan Kirsch will become an assistant at South Dakota State. Kirsch had previously worked for new SDSU head coach Bryan Petersen at Kirkwood CC.
Kirsch took over at ICCC last spring following a stint as an assistant at D2 Minnesota Duluth. This past season, he led the Tritons to a 20-12 record.
Kirsch becomes the second JUCO head coach this week to depart for a D1 assistant job, as South Plains’ Hayden Sowers is reportedly headed to Arkansas State as an assistant.
More on this move once it becomes official.
Iowa Central has moved quickly to replace Kirsch, as they have announced the promotion of assistant coach Mason Denholm to fill the head coaching role. Here’s the official announcement from ICCC:
Mason Denholm, current Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach, has been named the new head coach of the Iowa Central Men’s Basketball program following the departure of Ryan Kirsch as he pursues a D1 coaching position.
“Our entire athletic department is thrilled with the hiring of Mason Denholm as our new head men’s basketball coach,” said Athletic Director, Kevin Twait. “Mason played a heavy hand and had a huge impact in orchestrating the Iowa Central Men’s Basketball transformation this past season. He is more than ready for this opportunity.”
“Coach Denholm’s passion for developing our students on and off the court is inspiring,” added Iowa Central President, Jesse Ulrich. “He will provide the continuity and commitment to culture that our basketball program needs as they come off of one of the most successful seasons the Tritons have had.”
During his only season with the Tritons as an assistant, the Tritons went 20-12 with wins over five ranked opponents and advanced to the Regional 11 Tournament Championship game for the first time since 2018. The Tritons had two players named to the All-Region Teams – freshman, Jordan Cain (1st Team) and freshman, Jalen Wynter (2nd Team).
Prior to Iowa Central, Denholm was an assistant coach at Grand View University (2017-2022) and Wayne State College (2022-2024). Denholm’s final season at Grand View saw the Vikings reach the NAIA National Tournament. At Wayne State he was a part of the 2022-23 NSIC South Division championship team. During his time as an assistant at Grand View and Wayne State, Denholm has coached 3 All-American and 15 All-Conference selections. He is a graduate of Grand View University with a BS Degree in Business Management and Marketing and an MS Degree in Sport Management. Denholm is married to wife, Emily, and they have one child, Willow.
“His experience as an assistant coach at both Grand View and Wayne State prior to his arrival at Iowa Central will serve him well as he takes over as our head coach. Mason is both an outstanding teacher of the game and a tremendous recruiter,” said Twait. “We are confident that under Mason’s leadership, our men’s basketball program will continue to thrive and provide an outstanding student-athlete experience for our squad members.”
Denholm is excited about what’s to come for Triton Men’s Basketball. “I am very grateful to lead the men’s basketball program moving forward. I want to thank Dr. Jesse Ulrich, Tom Beneke, Sam Reeves-Grady, Kevin Twait, and Guy Horn for this great opportunity and their belief in my ability to continue developing the incredible group of student-athletes,” said Denholm. “I am looking forward to building upon the success we achieved last year. Finally, I also want to thank my wife Emily for her continued support throughout my career and this process. Go Tritons!”
