Bryan's Rekoske to Retire Following 2024-25 Season
(Story provided by Bryan College Communications)
DAYTON, Tenn. - Bryan College has announced that Head Men's Basketball Coach Don Rekoske will retire at the end of the current basketball season. This decision concludes a remarkable 20-year tenure during which Coach Rekoske made a significant impact on the basketball program and the countless student-athletes he mentored throughout his impressive 38-year coaching career.
Coach Rekoske boasts an outstanding career record of 446 college wins and 545 overall, including five years of coaching at the high school level, which ranks him as the 12th active winningest coach in the NAIA. His contributions to the program go beyond just wins and losses; he exemplifies the values of spiritual formation, mentoring, and a commitment to a Biblical worldview, all of which are central to Bryan College. During his leadership, the program celebrated numerous achievements, including coaching five NAIA All-Americans, selecting 27 players for the AAC All-Conference Team, and receiving various individual player honors.
"Watching Don coach, compete, and be an integral part of the Bryan community for 20 years has been a tremendous joy," said Dr. Jeremy Deal, Vice President of Athletics at Bryan College. "His dedication, passion, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our department. While his upcoming retirement is a tough loss, I am genuinely excited for him as he embarks on this next chapter. Thank you, Don, for your incredible contributions to Bryan College."
Coach Rekoske began his coaching journey at Oak Forest Christian Academy, where he instilled a strong sense of discipline and teamwork. He then moved to Bethesda Christian School in Brownsburg, IN, where he won a state title. After three years at Pillsbury College in Minnesota, he spent eight successful years at Crown College, also in Minnesota, leading his teams to six national tournament appearances. At Bryan College, he has built a legacy of character, mentorship, and servant leadership. Many of his former players have become influential figures in their communities, reflecting the principles instilled through their experience at Bryan College.
"I am grateful for the 21 years I will complete at the end of this year's season at Bryan College. It has been a blessing to serve, especially regarding the players I have had the privilege to coach," said Don Rekoske. "I want to thank my wife, Beth, and my family for their love and support during my coaching career. I also thank all the coaches, staff, and faculty with whom I have developed friendships over the years. I have been blessed, knowing how good God has been to me."
"Coach Don Rekoske has been more than just a coach to our student-athletes; he has been a mentor, a leader, and a living example of our commitment to 'Christ Above All,'" said Dr. Douglas F. Mann, President of Bryan College. "His dedication over the past 20 years has profoundly impacted not only our basketball program but also the lives of many student-athletes who have flourished under his guidance. As we honor his retirement, we celebrate a legacy of faith, service, and excellence that will continue to inspire the Bryan College community for years to come."
Bryan College will honor Coach Rekoske on January 29, 2025, at the beginning of the men's game against Reinhardt University.
In his retirement, Coach Rekoske plans to spend more time with his family—his wife Beth and their children, Olivia and Carter—while pursuing his interests in golfing, smoking meat, and traveling. His distinguished coaching career, marked by significant accomplishments and lasting memories, will be cherished by the entire Bryan community.
Thank you, Coach Rekoske, for your 20 devoted years at Bryan College. Your legacy of "Educating students to become servants of Christ to make a difference in today's world" will forever remain in our hearts and the history of Bryan basketball.