Men's Basketball Named To College Athletic Advisor Top 20 'Programs That Inspire' List

The Wittenberg University men's basketball team was named to the College Athletic Advisor Top 20 'Programs That Inspire' list. Earning a spot on this list is meant to highlight programs that may not be widely publicized despite having achieved consistent elite status in competition and in elevating the lives of participating student-athletes. Wittenberg comes in at No. 13 on the list, embodying the pillars of criteria on the award is based on. Criteria include the holistic development of student-athletes, academic achievement & support for the academic success of student-athletes, overall graduation rates, and student satisfaction.

Earning a trip to their first Sweet 16 since 2012 and in their third consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, the Tigers closed out the 2019-20 season ranked No. 7 in the D3Hoops.com poll. The Red and White secured an overall record of 28-2, capturing the North Coast Athletic Conference regular-season title. The Tigers were led by five seniors on the season, with three being named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court. Senior's Jake Bertemes, Tanner Cowgil, and Connor Seipel concluded their Wittenberg career's with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher. Bertemes was awarded the Co-SIDA Academic All-District honors, closing out his career as the NCAC Defensive Player of the Year with Second Team All-NCAC Honors. Seipel closed out his time in the Red and White, as a two-time First Team All-NCAC honoree, collecting NABC All-Great Lakes Region All-District twice along the way, and earning both First and Second Team D3Hoops.com First Team All-Great Lakes.

Head Coach Matt Croci also took home NCAC Coach of the Year, his second in his time since patroling the Wittenberg sidelines.