Caleb Oetjen has been added as an assistant coach to the Arizona Christian Men’s Basketball staff for the 2021-22 season as announced by Head Coach Jeff Rutter. Coach Oetjen joins the Firestorm coaching ranks after serving the last two years on staff with Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
“Caleb is a great addition to our staff,” stated Coach Rutter. “He was a great player at Bethel and professionally and has learned from some outstanding coaches in NAIA Hall of Famer Mike Lightfoot at Bethel as well as Coach Jared Ronai at Mount Vernon Nazarene. He has a strong desire to develop Christian men through basketball. He has a good basketball mind and is a hard worker. He is a great fit for our program.”
“My wife and I are extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to join the Arizona Christian family,” commented Coach Oetjen. “I am humbled to join a program and culture that values competitive and spiritual growth. I cannot thank Coach Rutter enough for giving me the opportunity to join his staff. As we make the move to ACU, I also must thank Coach Ronai for allowing me to be a part of his staff for the past two years at MVNU. We are looking forward to serving young men in their collegiate journey at ACU.”
Over the last two seasons, Coach Oetjen served as the Recruiting, Travel, and Player Development Coordinator for the Cougars of Mount Vernon Nazarene. With his help as the Academic Coach as well, MVNU completed each semester with a team GPA of 3.3 or better.
“Coach Oetjen made a tremendous impact here at MVNU in his two years as a graduate assistant,” offered Coach Ronai. “Caleb is an extremely hard worker and very passionate about helping young men pursue excellence in every area of their life. I believe he is one of the best young coaches in the business and we are extremely excited for him and this next chapter in his career.”
Prior to coaching, Oetjen played professionally overseas in Lithuania and Germany.
Collegiately, Oetjen spent fours years balling at Bethel University (IN) under Hall of Fame Head Coach Mike Lightfoot. Bethel was nationally ranked in every poll during Oetjen’s playing career. The guard capped his career as an NAIA First Team All-American, Crossroads League Player of the Year, and a member of the Crossroads League Defensive Team. He finished with just over 1,200 career points scored as a Pilot.
“Coach Oetjen is one of the top young coaches in college basketball profession,” added Coach Lightfoot. “He was first a great NAIA First Team All-American. His passion and competitive spirit are second to none. Coach Oetjen is a proven winner. He will be a great addition to the coaching staff for the Firestorm and Coach Rutter. As much as he has gifts as a coach and person it is his integrity and his strong faith that sets him apart from many of his peers.”
Twice Coach Oetjen has traveled to the Dominican Republic to lead basketball camps, serve food to locals, and help with clean up projects. Combined with his success on the court and his humanitarian work, Oetjen was named the NCCAA Pete Maravich Award winner in 2017.
Academically, Oetjen graduated from Bethel University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in marketing. In 2021, he completed a master’s degree in business administration focusing on organizational leadership at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Off the court, Oetjen enjoys golfing, fishing, listening to podcasts, reading scripture, and being outside.
Coach Oetjen and his wife, Taylor, welcomed their daughter Emmalyn Jo into the world just a few weeks ago.
Caleb Oetjen- Welcome to Arizona Christian University Athletics.
