Wagner Honored as WBCA Coach of the Year

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Wayne Wagner, Head Coach of the Viterbo University Men's Basketball team, was named Coach of the Year in the College D2-3 Men (Private) Division in April by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). Wagner received his award at the annual WBCA Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday in Wisconsin Dells.

"Awards like this are truly team recognitions," said Coach Wagner. "It symbolizes the success that the team had through the commitment and efforts of talented players, assistant coaches, and our families."

"It was an honor to represent our program at such a prestigious event like the WBCA Hall of Fame Banquet.  Being a part of the event gave me a firsthand look that the Viterbo Basketball legacy is still recognized and growing by many outstanding coaches and leaders throughout the state and the Midwest."

Wagner and the V-Hawks are coming off a 17-13 season that included 9-5 in North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) play. Although the V-Hawks were only picked to finish fifth in the NSAA, Coach Wagner led the team to their first-ever share of the NSAA title, and Viterbo Men's Basketball's first conference title since 2009-10 when they shared a piece of the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) title.

"Each day, Coach Wagner is a servant leader in action. His commitment to developing the young men in our program goes far beyond basketball," said Assistant Coach Taylor Hanson. "Coach Wagner is dedicated to the development of character, work ethic and service within the young men in the program to ensure that they are leaders in their communities after graduation. His leadership, integrity, dedication, and stewardship of the Viterbo University Men's Basketball program is inspiring. It is a true privilege to work alongside and learn from Coach Wagner."

In addition to the WBCA Coach of the Year, Wagner also received the NSAA Coach of the Year Award, his third time being named conference Coach of the Year (MCC 2001-02, 2005-06). Wagner also coached the NSAA Conference Player of the Year and NAIA All-America Honorable Jack Monis, as well as All-Conference Second Team Brady Polk and Honorable Mention Robert Cunitz.

"Coach Wagner continues to be a steadfast proponent in the development of our student athletes here at Viterbo," said Assistant Coach Luke Clift. "It is an honor to work alongside him and see the difference he makes in these young men's lives. His dedication and commitment to Viterbo University and our basketball program is nothing less than extraordinary. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor."

Coach Wagner and the V-Hawks' season starts on Saturday, October 29 at Cardinal Stritch University, and their home opener is Wednesday, November 9 against Edgewood College.