Earl Austin Jr: UMSL tabs Steve Tappmeyer as new head coach

UMSL tabs Steve Tappmeyer as new head coach
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Earl  Austin on 09/04/2010 18:10:00
 
In Tappmeyer, the UMSL program is gettng a coach with a great track
record for winning at the NCAA Division II level.
Tappmeyer spent 21 seasons at Northwest Missouri State (1988-2009),
where he was one of the most successful coaches in the state of Missouri
at the Division II level.
During Tappmeyer's tenure at Northwest Missouri, the Bearcats were a
fixture at the top of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics
Association (MIAA)standings, as well as the NCAA Tournament. He amassed
a record of 408-208 with a winning percentage of .662, which is the best
in the school's history.
Tappmeyer led Northwest Missouri State to three MIAA championships, four
MIAA Tournament championships and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances,
including eight in a 10-year period. He led the Bearcats to the Elite
Eight of the NCAA Tournament in 2002 and 2005. He was also named the
MIAA Coach of the Year four times.
Tappmeyer will now attempt to take the UMSL program to similar heights
in the very competitive Great Lakes Valley Conference, which is one of
the top Division II programs in the country.
"We know we have a big challenge here, but we're very excited about that
challenge," Tappmeyer said. "We're looking forward to putting the best
team on the floor that we can. We want to create a lot of excitement
around the program and create something that everyone wants to be a part
of."
Tappmeyer becomes the sixth head coach in the 44-year history of UMSL
men's basketball. The program was started in 1966 by Chuck Smith. He was
followed by Tom Bartow, Rich Meckfessel, Mark Bernsen and Chris Pilz.
Chuck Smith was present at the press conference to greet Tappmeyer and
his wife Lynette.