From Washington University Athletics
Washington University in St. Louis Director of Athletics Anthony J. Azama announced the hiring of Pat Juckem as head men's basketball coach.
Juckem (pronounced yuck-um) is the 24thmen's basketball coach in program history. He replaces Mark Edwards, who retired after 37 seasons at his alma mater.
Juckem arrives on the Danforth Campus after spending the past six seasons as the head men's basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He guided the Titans to a 25-8 overall record in 2017-18, and an appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship game.
"I would like to thank Director of Athletics Anthony J. Azama, Vice Chancellor Lori White and Provost Holden Thorp for the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program at Washington University," said Juckem. "I am energized by the opportunity to work with the student-athletes at WashU and build upon the championship tradition the program has become known for. I am looking forward to representing a world class institution that cares deeply about the complete student-athlete experience."
Juckem compiled a 95-73 (.565) record at UW-Oshkosh, including three-straight NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. He was named the 2018 recipient of the Jack Bennett Man of the Year award by CollegeInsider.comafter tying the single-season record for most wins in program history.
"I am confident Coach Juckem will continue to advance the proud WashU men's basketball tradition of excellence," said Azama. "In his body of work, he has showcased his commitment to building strong relationships, supporting the development of student-athletes, and engaging the campus and local community."
Juckem led UW-Oshkosh to three consecutive top-three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) finishes for the first time since 1966-68. The Titans played in the WIAC Tournament Championship game in 2015, 2016 and 2017, winning the title and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2016.
Juckem won his 200th career game in the Titans' 73-57 victory over Ramapo College in the 2018 national semifinals.
He was the head men's basketball coach at Coe College from 2006-12, compiling an overall record of 105-79 (.571). Juckem led the Kohawks to the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) championship in both the 2006 and 2012 seasons.
Juckem was also an assistant men's basketball and football coach at Lawrence University from 1999-2005 and the head boy's basketball coach at Manitowoc Roncalli High School from 1996-99.
"He embodies the principles that are the core of Washington University Athletics: developing champions on and off the court," added Azama. "His passion and enthusiasm for student-athletes' success and development is contagious. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Bears Athletics family."
Juckem earned his bachelor's degree Lawrence University in 1995. He and his wife, Elissa, are the parents of Emmett and Gavin.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT PAT JUCKEM
MARK EDWARDS, RETIRING MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
Washington University in St. Louis
Pat Juckem will make a great addition to Washington University and the men's basketball program. I have known Coach Juckem for a number of years and have been impressed with him as a coach and a person. He has produced competitive teams everywhere he has been, but more importantly, he has proven he knows how to develop young men. I look forward to helping him transition to Washington University and supporting his effort to continue the excellence of WashU Basketball.
MARCUS MEYER, MEN'S BASKETBALL STUDENT-ATHLETE
Washington University in St. Louis
Coach Juckem's experience definitely showed when we met with him. You could tell he was a genuine person. We are definitely excited about having him lead our program.
JOHN SCHAEL, WASHU DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL INITIATIVES, FORMER DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Washington University in St. Louis
Pat is an experienced, knowledgeable and successful head coach who will sustain Washington University's winning ways on and off the court.
LOU STARK, VICE PRESIDENT, STUDENT AFFAIRS
Case Western Reserve University
Pat is not only an exceptional basketball coach, but an exceptional leader. He puts the students first, and will continue the tradition of the WashU men's basketball program.
JOHN THARP, MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
Hillsdale College
Pat is not only one of the best coaches in America, he is also a great person. He is a man of high integrity, with a high basketball IQ. Pat fully understands Division III and is fiercely competitive within the standards of Division III athletics.