New head men's basketball coach Todd Adrian looks to continue the success of an Edgewood program that is coming off its 20th consecutive winning season. (Photo courtesy of Edgewood College)

Todd Adrian named Edgewood College men's basketball coach
MADISON, Wis. -- Edgewood College has named Todd Adrian its next head men's basketball coach. Adrian, who most recently served as the associate head coach at UW-Platteville, replaces Steve Larson who resigned earlier this summer after 20 seasons with the Eagles. The announcement was made today by athletic director Al Brisack.

“My wife and I are very excited to be joining the Edgewood College family,” said Adrian. “I know how successful the men's basketball program has been in the past and look forward to being part of its championship future. There are many exciting things happening that are really going to benefit our students and athletes in the upcoming years. During the process I felt very comfortable with everyone on campus and realized that there is something special to being an Eagle. I look forward to getting better acquainted with the members of the basketball program and Edgewood College community and working hard together to achieve many great things in the future.”

Adrian, 35, helped guide UW-Platteville to a 47-32 overall record over the last three years. The Pioneers finished the 2004-05 campaign as co-champions of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and were ranked 21st nationally in NCAA Division III. During that stretch, UW-Platteville went 18-6 in home games, including 8-0 in 2004-05.

“This is very well-deserved, and we are extremely happy for both Todd and [his wife] Jennie as they make the successful transition to Edgewood College,” said UW-Platteville head coach Paul Combs. “It's bittersweet for us because he has been instrumental in building our programs the last seven years; however, he is ready to have his own team. Edgewood College is very fortunate to have such a well-rounded coach, but even more importantly, such a well-rounded person.”

Previously, Adrian was the associate head coach under Combs at Lakeland College, formerly of the Lake Michigan Conference and currently of the newly formed Northern Athletics Conference in which Edgewood College is also a member. The Muskies won 60 games in four seasons with Adrian as the top assistant and won back-to-back LMC championships in 2002 and 2003. Lakeland was consistently ranked nationally in several defensive categories during that span. In addition, the Muskies compiled a remarkable 23-1 home record in regular season conference games.

“During this search, it was critical that we found a person who is the perfect fit for Edgewood College,” said Brisack. “It became very clear through the process that Todd Adrian is that person. Todd's clear vision for integrating our men's basketball program into the fabric of our college community and passion to teach his players to be future leaders fits with our department goals. He already embraces the values of this college. Todd's positive enthusiasm for basketball and life will be contagious to our students, alumni and fans. We are thrilled that Todd and Jennie are now Eagles.”

A 1995 graduate of the University of Kansas, Adrian is currently pursuing a Masters of Education from Lakeland College in 2002. Adrian is well-respected amongst his coaching peers and has coached camps at the University of Wisconsin, University of Kansas, and Marquette University. In addition to his coaching duties, Adrian has held such titles as Recruiting Coordinator and Director of Pioneer Basketball Camps at UW-Platteville and Assistant Director of Admissions at Lakeland College. Prior to his arrival to Wisconsin, Adrian was the head boy's basketball coach at Tonganoxie High School in Kansas.

Traditionally a strong program, Edgewood College won six LMC regular season championships and four LMC tournament championships during Larson's tenure. The Eagles advanced to the NCAA Division III tournament in 2002 and 2005. Edgewood College is expected to return 13 players from last year's squad that finished 15-12.

Release courtesy of Edgewood College, Sports Information Department, August 3, 2006.