Men's Basketball Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Gary Garner

Gary GarnerGary Garner is entering his first year as Dakota State University men's basketball head coach.

"Gary's prior experience as a Division I and II coach at highly successful collegiate programs will be invaluable as he readies to lead our team," said Wockenfuss.  "He brings a tremendous amount of basketball experience and knowledge to Dakota State."

Garner collegiate experience is primarily on the Division I and II level.  For the past two years, he has served as the assistant coach for Iowa Energy, a team with the NBA Development League.  He served as head basketball coach at Southeast Missouri State University from 1997-2006.  From 1991-1997 he led the men's team at Fort Hays State University.  His 1995-1996 team won the NCAA Division II Tournament, capping a perfect 34-0 season.  That same year Garner was named the NCAA II Bulleting National Coach of the Year and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

Garner also served stints as head coach at Drake University and Missouri Southern University.  He has been an assistant at the University of Missouri and Tulsa University.

His coaching career has included multiple appearances at the NCAA Division II Tournament.  His Southeast Missouri State team reached the NCAA Division I Tournament in 2000.  Garner reached his 300 collegiate win in 2000.  His record of 63-2 was the best among collegiate coaches during 1995-1997.

Garner and wife Barb will be moving from Des Moines to Madison.  "I am really excited about the opportunity to be the Head Basketball Coach at Dakota State University and to begin our journey toward building a championship program," said Garner.  "I look forward to bringing student athletes to Dakota State that will represent the students, faculty, alumni and community in a manner that they can be proud of." 

E-mail:  gary.garner@dsu.edu

Assistant Coach:  Matthew Garner

Matthew GarnerMatthew Garner is in his first year as Assistant Men's Basketball Coach.  Prior coming to Dakota State University, he was the assistant men's basketball coach for the University of Denver.  Garner had coaching experiences with DeSmet High School in St. Louis, Mo. and Southeast Missouri State University.

Garner played college basketball at Fort Hays State University.  He graduated with his bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

Besides coaching, Garner will be the Resident Director for the Higbie Hall at Dakota State University.

E-mail:  matthew.garner@dsu.edu

 
Last Updated: 10/22/09