2008 Woodie Awards
Schlagel makes his mark at SCSU
Matt Rydberg
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: Sports
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Over the past 25 years, he has been a player, a grad assistant and an assistant coach and is now going into his 11th year as head coach.
"I have never had a non-basketball related job," Schlagel said. "Even in high school I worked with the rec. department which involved setting up baseball and basketball programs in the summer."
Schlagel was living in Rush City, Minn. when he was scouted by then head coach Noel Olsen of SCSU.
"I learned a lot from Olsen. He taught me how to keep an even keel during games."
Schlagel first came to SCSU on a scholarship as a player in 1972. His senior year Schlagel helped lead the team to a Northern Intercollegiate Conference title ('75-'76).
After graduating with health and physical education majors, he took a job at a high school in Shellsburg, Iowa for three years as the softball and basketball coach.
"In 1980 I got a call from coach Olsen asking me if I would come back and be the grad assistant. I had to." Schlagel said.
From 1980-1997, Schlagel has been an assistant for three different coaches and said he learned something from each of them.
"(Sam) Skarich had been with some big time schools, and he brought a lot of the basketball strategy with him. (Butch) Raymond taught me how to recruit players, and he sort of showed me everything off the court a coach has to do," Schlagel said.
Schlagel said if he can get a recruit to SCSU, the school will usually sell itself.
"It just felt right the first time I came to campus," freshman recruit Andrew Bernstetter said. "I knew I was coming to St. Cloud after that. I never even considered another school."
Outside the Whiteboard
Balancing various programs like Husky Hot Shots, team practices and recruiting efforts, as well as making a positive impact on the community, can lead to a very busy schedule.
"We (coaches) always make sure family comes first," Schlagel said.
Schlagel met his wife, Pam, when he first returned to SCSU and has daughter, Leah.
"Schlagel is one of those coaches who sincerely cares about you both on and off the court," senior captain David Dreas said. "Last Halloween, two of the guys dressed up as coach Schlagel and coach Reimer, and they thought it was just hilarious."
His charisma and talent have earned him respect.
"I've known him for a long time," said freshman recruit Taylor Witt. "My brother, Forrester, played for him years ago, and I've always really liked him."
On the Court
Being a nice guy doesn't always make one successful, especially in the world of sports. Schlagel has figured out a winning combination of character and toughness to assemble the puzzle of continued success.
"Although I could never compare myself to Tony Dungy or Bob Knight, because those two have been to the top of their profession, I suppose my coaching would be a blend of their two styles," Schlagel said.
"I would agree," Dreas said. "He is usually poised, but I have seen the Bob Knight side of coach and it is not something I would like to repeat."
An organization "College Bound Student Athlete" ranked D-II schools based on their win-loss record over the past eight seasons and compiled a list of the best. St. Cloud State was ranked 15th best DII basketball program in the nation.
"When you look at our region and our conference many of the top 20 teams continually are teams we see regularly," said Schlagel.
Since Schlagel took the head coaching position the Huskies have gone198-92 with a 97-59 conference record.
Going on his 23 season at St. Cloud 11 as head coach, Schlagel is heading what he calls "one of the best recruiting classes" he has seen. Led by veteran captains Dusty Wabiszewski, and Dreas the team is stressing athletic play and fast tempo offense combined with a full court press style defense.
The Huskies will tip off the season Nov. 5 against Valley City State.