University Of St Thomas Celts Men's Basketball
The University of St Thomas Celts Men's Basketball team is a Division III team that participates in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). This team has been a consistent performer in the conference and has gained a lot of respect from basketball fans across the country. Let's dive into the history, players, coaches, and achievements of this phenomenal team.
History of the University of St Thomas Celts Men's Basketball
The University of St Thomas Men's Basketball team was established in 1946, and since then, the team has had numerous accomplishments. The team struggled during the early years, but they started to find their rhythm in the 1990s. Most of their success came in the last decade when the team won three conference championships, made three NCAA appearances, and finished with a winning record in nine seasons.
During the 2019-2020 season, the Celts had another successful season. They finished with a 21-6 record and were ranked nationally in Division III. They made it to the semifinals of the conference tournament but lost to Southwestern University.
One thing that sets the Celts apart from other basketball teams is their commitment to academics. The team has been awarded the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award five times in the last six years, which shows the team's dedication to not only achieving success on the court but also in the classroom.
Players and Coaches of the University of St Thomas Celts Men's Basketball
The current coach of the Celts Men's Basketball team is Anthony Medina, who is in his second year with the team. Before joining the Celts, Medina was an assistant coach at Austin College, where he helped guide the team to a conference championship and an NCAA tournament berth. Under his leadership, the Celts have been able to maintain a winning culture and compete at the highest level.
The team's roster is filled with talented players who have contributed to the team's success. One key player is junior guard Kimball McKenzie, who was named to the All-Conference Second Team in the 2019-2020 season. McKenzie averaged 18 points per game, which was the highest average in the conference. Another important player is senior forward Will Leger, who was also named to the All-Conference Second Team. Leger was the team's leading rebounder and averaged over 12 points per game.
Achievements of the University of St Thomas Celts Men's Basketball
The Celts Men's Basketball team has had numerous accomplishments over the years. Here are some of their most significant achievements:
- Three conference championships
- Three NCAA appearances
- National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award (five times in the last six years)
- Multiple All-Conference players
The Celts have consistently performed well in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, and with their talented roster and dedicated coaching staff, they will likely continue to achieve success in the future.
Conclusion
The University of St Thomas Celts Men's Basketball team is a Division III team that has found success both on and off the court. Their commitment to academics and excellence in basketball has earned them respect from fans and competitors across the country. With their talented players and dedicated coach, the Celts will likely continue to achieve success in the future.