La Crosse, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has named
Rick Karius as an assistant coach for the Eagles' men's basketball team. He will also work in the UW-La Crosse Admissions Office. Karius served as the head assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2010-11.
"I am deeply honored and humbled that Coach Koelbl gave me the opportunity to return home and coach at my alma mater," said Karius. "I have to thank Coach Siverling (UW-Superior) and Coach Bigler (Southwest Minnesota State) for all their help and guidance while working with them."
Karius was the Yellowjackets' recruiting and video coordinator last year while assisting with the day-to-day operations of the basketball program. UW-Superior finished 15-12 a year ago and senior
Jake Smith was named the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Co-Player of the Year along with UW-La Crosse senior
Tony Mane.
Prior to moving to UW-Superior, Karius was a graduate assistant men's basketball coach at Southwest Minnesota State University in 2009-10. He was the camp director at UW-Superior and Southwest Minnesota State.
"I am very pleased to have a former player join our staff," said UW-L head coach
Ken Koelbl. "Rick will bring a great deal of passion for UW-La Crosse, a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm, and a wealth of basketball knowledge. He will be a strong asset to our University and basketball program."
A 2009 graduate of UW-La Crosse, Karius was a four-year letter winner for the Eagles' basketball team. He was voted team captain and named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll and All-Sportmanship Team.
"UW-La Crosse is an elite school both academically and athletically," said Karius. "I am thrilled to coach here and recruit student-athletes to this amazing University."
He is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
UW-L finished 14-12 overall and 9-7 in the WIAC in 2010-11. The Eagles open their 2011-12 season Tuesday, November 15 hosting Concordia University (Wis.) at 7 p.m.
