“OUR GOAL EVERY YEAR IS GOING TO BE TO COMPETE FOR AN NEC CHAMPIONSHIP…To do that, we’re going to need everybody in this room and everybody in this community,” said Dan Engelstad during a press conference introducing him as the 22nd head coach in the storied history of Mount St. Mary’s men’s basketball. “We’re going to need the alumni. We’re going to need everybody to rally around this…because we’re going to do something special.”
“We’re going to need everybody to rally around this…because we’re going to do something special.”
Dan Engelstad Leads Mount Basketball Into New Era
If the name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. As an assistant coach on Milan Brown’s staff from 2007-10, Engelstad helped coach the Mount to its first ever NCAA Division I Tournament win in 2008. A native of Bethesda, Maryland, he now returns to Knott Arena with the goal of building on the success and legacy of former coaches Jim Phelan, Brown and, most recently, Jamion Christian, C’04. “We are thrilled to have Coach Engelstad return to our Mount community and are looking forward to the bright future of our men’s basketball program,” said Mount St. Mary’s University Director of Athletics Lynne Robinson, C'79, MBA'83. “In addition to his success on the court, Dan has a proven track record of supporting his studentathletes academically.” In 2013, Engelstad took over Division III Southern Vermont, inheriting a team coming off a 1-24 season. In five years, he compiled a 104-34 record, winning two New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) championships, while earning three NECC Coach of the Year awards. “The Mount is extremely fortunate to have found a coach with such a positive
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MOUNT NEWS FALL 2018
Photo by: Mason Lipford, C'20
Mount News
attitude and familiarity with not only our region but the university and its culture as well,” said the Mount’s Director of Athletic Development Kevin Robinson Jr., MAT'06. “We’re excited to see how Coach Engelstad’s enthusiasm will energize our fans and continue the tradition of making Knott Arena a tough place for opponents to play.” Since arriving in Emmitsburg, Engelstad has been getting to know his team and recruiting future Mountaineers. He has also hired new assistant coaches Xavier Joyner and Matt Miller as well as elevated Will Holland to associate head coach and Mike Wolf to director of basketball operations. Engelstad’s coaching abilities will, however, be tested early on. While the Mount is only two seasons removed from its most recent NEC title and NCAA Tournament victory, no one from that roster remains after the graduations of Northeast Conference Player of the Year Junior Robinson, C’18, Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year Chris Wray, C’18, and Greg Alexander, C’18. Despite the lack of experience, he’s optimistic about the team that will take the floor this season. “We’re excited about this group,” said Engelstad. “They’re young and talented and can’t wait to get in front of the fans in Knott Arena. They’re hungry and looking forward to many years of growing together.”
Cheer us on! Visit mountathletics.com for game schedules and to grab your tickets!
